In her latest exhibition, Assemblage 7: Lost and Found II, British designer Faye Toogood invites audiences to explore the enchanting process of rediscovery, transforming ancient materials into modern masterpieces. The collection, displayed at Friedman Benda in New York, seamlessly combines English oak and Purbeck marble into sculptural works that reflect a celebration of history and craftsmanship. Each piece in the collection offers a narrative that intertwines the past with contemporary design, emphasizing the artistry behind reworking and reimagining materials traditionally valued for their timeless beauty.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Faye Toogood
Collection: Assemblage 7: Lost and Found II
Gallery: Friedman Benda, New York
Materials: English Oak, Purbeck Marble
Exhibition Duration: Through March 15, 2025
Toogood’s journey from concept to completion is deeply intertwined with her creative process, which she describes akin to an archaeological exploration. Initially modeling each piece from clay, she delves into her work as though uncovering hidden treasures within a landscape. This meticulous approach allows Toogood to thoughtfully connect with the materials she chooses, English oak and Purbeck marble, both of which hold significant historical and cultural resonance. English oak, celebrated for its robustness and heritage, is finished using an 18th-century shellacking technique that brings depth and richness. On the other hand, Purbeck marble—a rare limestone embedded with fossilized shells—is carved to reveal its intricate layers and textures, each chisel stroke accentuating its natural story.
The exhibition marks Toogood’s fourth solo collaboration with Friedman Benda, a gallery noted for featuring pioneering contemporary designs. The journey of Assemblage 7: Lost and Found II has taken it through Los Angeles in 2022 and the eminent Chatsworth House in the UK in 2023, finally arriving on the East Coast for its current showcase. The collection comprises eleven unique pieces including Barrow, Cairn, Channel, Hill, Hoard I and II, Lode I and II, Pile, Pit, and Plot II, with works produced in limited editions of no more than twenty. Most items were crafted between 2021 to 2023, with the Channel bench joining the collection as the latest addition in 2024.
Toogood’s works are inspired by an intention to reveal forms that evoke a prehistoric essence—objects almost forgotten by time and rediscovered anew. Her method of engaging with the form and function is akin to unearthing a lost artifact, forever bridging the dialogue between antiquity and modernity. Her statement, “I felt like I was revealing something that had always been there,” encapsulates the timeless resonance of her art, inviting viewers to appreciate each piece not only as a work of modern craftsmanship but also as a tribute to the enduring beauty of history.
Amidst the architectural and design realm, Toogood stands out for her ability to imbue emotion and narrative into tangible forms. Her meticulous dedication to craftsmanship and exploration of texture, combined with the geographical journey of the exhibition itself, sheds light on her commitment to creating art that transcends boundaries and eras. Assemblage 7: Lost and Found II serves as a testament to the poetic dialogue between past and present, redefining how modern art can be both innovative and reverent of its historical influences.
As the exhibition continues to engage art and design enthusiasts at Friedman Benda through March 15, 2025, it serves as a reminder of the potential within materials and how, through artistic vision, they can be resurrected into contemporary interpretations that honor their storied pasts. For those interested in exploring this rich tapestry of reimagined design, further insights can be found by visiting the designer’s website.
