‘Truth to materials meant that all materials were chosen for their particular qualities and not painted to look like other materials’ (Conway, 2005).
The idea of truth has been applied to materials, however the theory has religious connotations. Pugin, a catholic architect, and the founder of the theory believed that the ‘religious principle of truth’ should be expressed in gothic architecture used in churches and cathedrals. In his eyes this meant not concealing the architecture of the building (Conway, 2005). The resemblance to the high modernist theory here of showing off internal technologies to the outside world is eveident here, as many of the principles are the same. Linking to High-modernism, Pugin expresses that
‘Constructioanl truth to materials meant that the construction of a building was evident and not concealed; ornament was used, but it did not obscure the construction and it was appropriate in form and meaning’.
Although this theory relates to architecture, it can be applied to interiors, inparticular furniture. Below is an example of how this can be applied
(Alibaba n.d.) |
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The lacquered coffee table is far more modern as it demonstrates modern practices. As the focus of my project is to connect to the countryside, the timber table fits in much better with my theme. It is for this reason, that I will consider the idea of truth to materials when choosing my furniture, to create as natural a design as possible.
Post Bibliography
Conway, H and Roenisch, R. 2005. Understanding architecture: an introduction to architecture and architectural history. Routledge
Alibaba. (n.d.). recycle timber dining table. [Online] Available at: http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/11738124/recycle_timber_dining_table.html [Accessed: 18th October 2011]
Furniture Beyond. (n.d.). Coffee Table. [Online] Available at: http://furniture-beyond.com/?p=2&a=view&r=312 [Accessed 18th October 2011]