Page 133 - Decadence

cottages built many years ago which are a source of old wood, more great material to transform into furniture... It had been a dream of Jarosław’s to create a business from something which would be unique and exceptional and will help sustain our planet so it was appropriate that his vision came on an evening he was tasting wine with his friends. The idea was born and Due was created.
The company hires small, local craftsmen and companies to produce their furniture. Reusable materials need much more attention and are more demanding that “fresh wood”, so it is the knowledge and experience of these artisans that make it posible. Monica tells me “We are very pleased that in our regions we do have such people who in simple words do listen to the wood” The long history of the craft might mean that the production time is longer but the unique results are what Due’s customers are prepared to wait for.
The tradition in Poland has always leant toward contemporay design, which lends itself perfectly to the unique upcycled materials in the hands of traditional craftsmen, that creates the design signature of Due’s furniture.
The Barrels of Tuscan or Piedmontese wines are turned into furniture that has a rustic theme, but is so complimentary to the modern design. Each piece has a rich and interesting history and provenance, so a simple table, for example, becomes a work of modern art that you can stare into the grain of and see the gapes. Or a table whose wood has come from the Galicial regions on the boarders between Poland and Western Ukraine where the centuries of history of the people who once lived in this beautiful and mysterious area are apparent in its formation.
To create such pieces Kowalik needs his dedicated team, but he still participates in every decision as if this business was his “favourite child” and is involved in every level including the marketing. But it was his team we met in London who gave us the story; Marta is responsible for running the of ce, whilst Lilianna takes on the responsibility of sales and marketing whilst designer Moncia, who studied at Cracow Univerity of Art leads the creative direction, with Irek managing the producion, sourcing and manufacturing – which itself is a growing task as Due are constantly being approached by talented artistes wanting to join their producer cooperative.
Since its inception Due has a portfolio of around 50 beautiful pieces and the team are constantly working on new pieces and concepts there certainly apears to be more demand than the small team can create, so it would appear that Jarosław Kowalik’s idea of combining his two favourite hobbies with a team of talented Polish woman has given him yet another successful business.
Now, about our boardroom table?....
WORDS CRAIG BLAKE-JONES IMAGES DUE OLD WOOD FURNITURE
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