We caught up with Aaron Probyn, a designer we’ve long admired and had the pleasure of working with over the years to talk about his recent design of the Syd Chair for Another Country, now available in Danish Cord.
Aaron established his eponymous brand in 2020 on the belief that good design should last a lifetime. Rooted in craftsmanship and responsible production, his studio creates limited-quantity pieces that elevate everyday living. In the quick-fire Q&A below, he shares more about his approach, philosophy, and the thinking behind his latest work.
What initially inspired you to create the Syd Chair?
I am very drawn towards the architecture of Luis Barragan and specifically his own home in Mexico City. There is a beautiful balance between materiality, colour, solid forms, weight and light.
I have always been struck by the furniture he had selected, it was obviously very local, not particularly striking, but good honest pieces which brought a sense of calmness and pragmatism to the space. This complimented Another Country’s pared back aesthetic of contemporary interpretation of classic and traditional forms and holistic approach to design and manufacturing.
How does the Syd Chair sit within your broader design philosophy or body of work?
As a designer, I am drawn towards materials and finishes that improve with age. I am very much against the fashion element of design and want to create pieces that feel timeless and for pieces to have longevity and hopefully become heirlooms. I feel that the Syd chair perfectly aligns with this mindset, while there is a strong clear design aesthetic, it is also a quiet object that could be found and anonymous. The Syd chair is proportioned to feel strong in form but also feels light and airy.
What led you to choose Danish cord for the seat, and what qualities of the material appealed to you most?
There is a beautiful tactile quality to Danish Cord which improves with daily use, getting a patina and richer in colour. Woven seats have a long history dating back thousands of years with its roots in rural furniture. The Danish Cord is made from twisted paper cord, so is incredibly sustainable and hard wearing which perfectly aligns with Another Country approach to the sourcing and manufacturing furniture.
Does the design reference a particular era, tradition, or type of craftsmanship?
There is a long line of influences and the tread started with pragmatic English farmhouse furniture and the early Shakers that left Manchester for the US. The true Shaker style developed further and became more refined in the US and then this approach to design and making in turn influenced many of the great mid century Scandinavian designers.
How does the use of Danish cord influence both the visual character of the chair and the experience of sitting in it?
There is a lovely tactile texture to the Danish Cord which contrasts beautifully with the open grained pale Ash frame. The Danish Cord naturally forms to your weight and body shape and gives natural support and comfort for long lunches.
