Pa by Timothy Robertson, upholstered in Maharam Tinge and Maharam Oxbow
Designed to mimic the feeling of a “big warm hug”, nau’s new Pa collection of chairs are defined by their pared-back minimalism and elegant curves. Created by emerging Australian designer Timothy Robertson for Cult’s in-house Australian design brand, nau, the series encompasses a lounge chair, dining chair, dining armchair and counter/bar stool, crafted from a range of unique native Australian timbers or American hardwoods and steel, and upholstered in Maharam textiles – Maharam Tinge, a rich, cobalt-blue leather, and Maharam Oxbow, a fine woven burgundy and blue check.
Inspired by a trip to Tokyo, where Timothy was struck by the peace and tranquillity of Japanese gardens, the pieces evoke an instant sense of calm and comfort. Their simple shape and compact footprint allow them to work effortlessly in a variety of residential and commercial settings, including small homes and apartments, while their curvaceous lines provide the user with a supremely comfortable spot to sit. The striking upholstery fabrics from Maharam are central to the designs, bringing softness and tactility, along with an energising jolt of colour that instantly draws the eye.
Sustainability is another key element; the chairs are made locally with minimal amounts of timber, and are deliberately simple in their construction so that all parts can be repaired or replaced.
“I really wanted to design a simple lounge chair that expressed the inherent beauty of natural timber; something comfortable, humble, stable and modern to suit any environment,” says Timothy. “The beautiful simplicity and profile of the backrest is what inspired the range – it really is the highlight of the lounge chair and informed the rest of the range.”
Timothy named the collection ‘Pa’ in a touching tribute to his father, also a furniture designer, in recognition of the love, support, wisdom and furniture-making skills he has shared over the years.
As a designer, Timothy Robertson is one to watch. He was named Australia’s Next Top Designer at the Design Show Australia 2022 and was a finalist for the Furniture Award in the Vivid Design Competition 2020. And his career path is nothing short of fascinating; born and raised in Fremantle, Western Australia, he spent years as a motorcycle mechanic before studying industrial design in Sydney, only later following his heart into furniture design.
“I would say my design aesthetic is quite authentic – it’s a product of my parents’ teachings and upbringing,” says Timothy. “This aesthetic has matured and evolved with experience. My process and philosophy are unique – nothing is created without a story, nostalgia or purpose. It’s based on how I perceive the natural and built world around me, both through form and colour.”
Pa is available for pre-order at Cult now and will be in stock from October 2023.
Explore Maharam Tinge here and Maharam Oxbow here
Click here to visit Nau.
Photography Christopher Miles
Styling Jessica Hanson
