Thomas Eyck presents 'the flax project' by Christien Meindertsma

Exhibitions / Product design

The traditional material flax gets a modern makeover courtesy of Christien Meindertsma and Thomas Eyck.

Event date: 22-04-2009 to 27-04-2009

By Editor Design.nl /asdf 31-03-2009

Designer Christien Meindertsma and Thomas Eyck collaborate on a new collection called 'the flax project'.

The collection consists of different objects based on the contemporary handwriting of Meindertsma in perfect harmony with the traditional Dutch 16th century cordage industry. By analysing the history of this craft, she has reduced the ropery to the original material: flax. Using the flax from a Dutch farmhouse, the filaments are spun in flax yams, after which these yams are twisted together into strands. The fresh and innovative approach of Christien Meindertsma to the very old techniques as spinning, weaving, twining and splitting has resulted in an astonishing collection of lamps, electricity cables, rug, stool and a table cloth. The project was made in collaboration with the Zuiderzee Museum.

After graduating from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2003, Christien Meindertsma (1980) started her own design label Flocks. With her projects "checked baggage" (2003), "urchin poufs" (2008) and "pig 05049" (2008), she made her break through in the international design field. Her work is included in the permanent collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum London, MOMA New York and Textiel Museum Ti]burg.

Thomas Eyck works together with designers of his own choice. In his view the union of design and materia], and a careful process of product development from the first idea until the' finishing touch' are very important. The collection of Thomas Eyck will develop slowly by commissioning one carefully chosen designer to design a series of products each year. Material and techniques will be chosen with the utmost care, and the company will only cooperate with the best craftsmen and producers. In this way limited series of products in different materials will be created.

Address: Romeo Gigli cafe, Via Angelo Fumagalli 6, Milan
Opening times: 10:30 until 19:00 daily

Image: Flax plant (Linum Catharticum) from Herbarium Leiden, dated 1822