When John Makepeace OBE attended the Young Furniture Makers Awards in London in 2023, he encountered the impeccable craftsmanship of Foris, a newly established workshop based in Oxfordshire of South East England. Impressed with their ingenuity and precision, Makepeace saw an opportunity to merge the studio’s woodworking talents with his vision, and commissioned Foris to create the Obelisk 3, a dark wooden obelisk that concealed a cabinet interior.
Makepeace has a history of challenging the cabinet typology, designing pieces like the Wings cabinet with feather-like folds or the Flow chest with carved wood details that resemble water ripples. Obelisk 3 is the latest addition, standing out for its blackened oak exterior that exudes a bold, contemporary aesthetic. Inside, the light rippled sycamore wood creates a visual and tactile contrast that is both unexpected and delightful. The juxtaposition of materials distinguishes the known from the unknown, the seen and the hidden. The top shelf features a custom mirror that can be pulled out and angled to the user’s height. Right below, a rich aubergine-hued pad offers a soft landing for delicate accessories, followed by six drawers to store and catalogue items by height.
Creating this unique piece was not easy for Foris, who shared that they were honored to work with Makepeace on this project. “It’s the most exacting piece we have so far made, its curved tapering form was quite the challenge,” the studio shared via Instagram. “We are beyond happy with the result!”
The Obelisk 3 stands as a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and high standards that both Makepeace and Foris uphold in their work. Every detail, from the smooth, seamless finish of the blackened oak to perfectly curved, gradual taper of the sycamore drawers, speaks to a level of craftsmanship that is as much a mastery of skill as it is an art form.
Obelisk 3 made its public debut at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht, exhibited by the Sarah Myerscough Gallery. The fair, known for showcasing some of the finest art and design from around the world, provided the perfect platform to reveal the obelisk’s immaculate design and the story of collaboration and innovation between Makepeace and Foris.
To enquire further about the Obelisk 3, visit sarahmyerscough.com.
Photography by Stephen James.
