History and old objects—often broken like the chair missing one leg and the clock without clockwork that can be combined with other things and function again—are at the heart of the work of Hannah Plumb and James Russell (professionally known as James Plumb) who have brought to Milan their remarkable collection of furnishings and lamps with a long and dusty past, which have been enriched after the time spent in the Rossana Orlandi archives. Capturing attention in the gallery courtyard are a long, solid-wood table (The Head of the Table as it is called) , which the pair unearthed in a Milan market, and a number of chairs that once belonged to an old English chapel. "The table was cut in half lengthways", says James "and widened in the middle to take a large pendulum clock". The clock—as per the script—has no clockwork but can be made to function by hand, by ringing a small bell.

The drawers form part of the Suitcase Drawers collection and took many months' work of searching, meticulous restoration and composition. The small table lamps also tell a romantic story. They are the result of a long working relationship with two craftspeople (Anne and Jack), who produced the last pieces (a limited number) for James Plumb shortly before they retired.

In order to attract the attention of this amazing designer duo', with sculptural studies behind them, "every object must have a story to tell; if you don't know its story then you give it a new one". James Plumb admits that they really do fall so much in love that they sometimes find it hard to sell pieces. ES

Spazio Rossana Orlandi
via MAtteo Bandello 14
12—17.04.2011, h. 9.00—20.00