Sinéad Ambrose
The Collapsible Crab Chair
Beech (mixture of lamination and solid)
This chair is a contemporary interpretation of the historic Savonarola chair, reimagined for modern living through flat-pack construction and portable design. Inspired by safari-style campaign furniture and created with van travel and glamping in mind, it combines elegant form with practical adaptability. The chair features a removable backrest and a detachable tray that stores neatly beneath the seat. The tray provides a convenient surface for a cup of tea, outdoor dining, or keeping personal items safely out of the way. It can also collapse downward to form a low table, enhancing the chair’s versatility in both indoor and outdoor settings. Designed to fold inward into a compact form, the chair is easy to transport and store. The main structure is crafted from solid beech timber, while the distinctive leg shapes and backrest are formed using 1.4 mm steamed beech veneer lamination. This was the first time I had undertaken veneer lamination as part of a project, and the process enabled the creation of the chair’s curved forms. The chair incorporates hand-made brass seat mechanisms and brass detailing that reference traditional craftsmanship while adding a refined contemporary finish. The piece is finished in Odie’s Dark Oil, which enhances the natural character and warmth of the beech. A key design intention was to create a component-based construction, allowing the chair to be folded for compact storage while also enabling individual parts to be removed, packaged, repaired, or replaced if damaged through use or age. This circular design approach supports the longevity of the chair and also offers potential for future batch production. Developed as my final second-year project at Rycotewood Furniture Centre, the chair was awarded Best Chair in Show by Ercol. This prototype represents the first stage of an ongoing design process, with future development focusing on adjustable seat dimensions, refined proportions, and options for slatted or cushioned seating. Intended as a statement piece for both display and use, the chair is suited to elegant indoor settings, outdoor occasions, and additional seating when needed. It is designed to be enjoyed both as a sculptural object and as a practical, adaptable chair.
