Having originally studied woodwork at ANU, it is brass that has become a signature material for Sydney designer Henry Wilson. Adding to a variety of different objects he has designed, from table lamps to tape dispensers and oil burners, his latest piece is the Planchart Handle, which is now available in brass or aluminium.
The Planchart has a distinctive curve to it, inspired by Villa Planchart, which was designed by Gio Ponti in the early 1950s. Set on a hill overlooking Caracas in Venezuela, the house now belongs to the Fundacion Anala y Armando Planchart, which has maintained it intact, including furnishings.
Each Planchart Handle is sand blasted and rumbled to create a tactile finish, while manufacture in small batches means slight variations may occur from piece to piece.
“I have built a close relationship with a local foundry for cast elements in bronze and aluminium,” explains Wilson. Production marks like pour ripples or surface pitting are minimal and add character to each item.
“It will arrive with a bright finish but will oxidise and darken over time to reveal a distinctive patina,” says Wilson. Meanwhile, a metal polish will restore a like-new finish.
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What a stunning handle!