Sitting directly on the ground is a simple pleasure that many people overlook. The touch of grass can instantly refresh you and deepen your connection with nature. The Canopy Chair by The Marchmont Workshop evokes that same feeling with its hand-woven rush seat and uniquely shaped backrest. The textured rush seat mirrors the rugged look of natural ground when viewed from the front. The use of natural materials, traditional craftsmanship, and a simple form are the true strengths of its design.
The Canopy Chair is inspired by the woodlands around its workshop on the Marchmont House estate, where many trees have been affected by ash dieback in recent years. The chair is made from locally sourced hardwood and common river rush with a natural wax finish. Time-honored techniques passed down through six generations are combined with fresh ideas to create furniture for the modern context.
The chair’s turned rear legs curve upward into hand-carved branches inspired by the ash tree. These branches are joined in a split crest that reflects how nearby trees grow without their leaves and branches touching. The crest curves around the sitter for support, above a comfy seat woven from river rush that is grown and harvested every year.
Richard Platt, co-founder of The Marchmont Workshop, shared with Homecrux, “We’re incredibly proud of the Canopy collection and believe that the somewhat more modern design mixed with a more artistic approach will bring the traditional rush-seated chair into the 21st century and ensure the heritage craft carries on into the future. As one of the only custodians of this ancient craft, the survival of it is always at the forefront of our minds, and we hope this is a bright new era of historical crafts.”
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Rush is steadily gaining attention in the design world, and it should be, as it is a renewable and repairable material. The Canopy chair embraces these qualities, making it both sustainable and unique. Its standout feature is the woven seat and backrest that resembles an ash tree. More than just a chair, it is a statement piece worthy of a prime spot in your home.
The Marchmont Workshop has expanded the Canopy collection with a new low lounge chair and a tall barstool. All these rush-seated pieces are showcased at London Craft Week 2025.
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