Truth to Materials

Throughout my research, I have looked into the use of natural imagery in fabrics and wallpapers.  This however only touches on the soft furnishings side of interior design.  I will also be using furniture such a tables, cabinets and chairs.  This post aims to explore the use of natural materials in regards to furniture, and will begin by looking at Understanding architecture: an introduction to architecture and architectural history by Hazel Conway and Rowan Roenisch.  In this book, a chapter titled Theories and Histories in Architecture examines the idea of truth to materials.

‘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.)

Both of these coffee tables are made from wood, however only one is true to its material.  The timber coffee table above has been roughly sanded, and the grain of the wood is evident.  The natural colours have been preserved, and looking at it, you can see all the joins and methods of construction.  Below is a coffee table made from mdf, an engineered wood.  The lacquer finish and smooth surface makes it look like it could be made from plastic.  This finish also hides any construction work such as joinery and screws.

(Furniture Beyond n.d.)

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]