Seating for Eating, a new range of wooden furniture, designed by Studioilse will be launched during London Design Festival, at Leila’s shop, 17 Calvert Avenue, where it can be sat on until 1st November. The range will also be exhibited at the nearby A Foundation, where a sales team will be on hand. The designs are reassuringly familiar but carefully detailed. Each piece is handcrafted by De La Espada in solid chestnut, specially chosen with knots, and has copper feet. They are available in natural oiled wood, or painted classic white in an eggshell finish, with the option of a thick felt pad, or slimline natural leather pad, secured by a discrete leather band. Our furniture brings people together. Our initial gathering, comprises two settles, three benches and two stool: furniture that you can sit on together, but that still leaves room for the individual. Inspired by English vernacular furniture, the settle is high backed for comfort and privacy, without being closed off from the room. It’s open and intimate at the same time, with wraparound arms that give a feeling of warmth. The furniture is made in collaboration with De La Espada. Studioilse’s designs are supported by their manufacturing experience, each piece expertly handcrafted in their factory in Portugal using solid wood from sustainable sources. The furniture benefits from the complementary expertise, reflecting a shared belief in the integrity of natural materials, high quality craftsmanship and the beauty of products that form a personal relationship with the user. "We believe materials have hidden messages. These create a powerful link to our emotional psyches and shape our connection to daily life. We relish the warm and the synergy of the heart and head, and create places to live and love, eat and sleep, work and play". Ilse Crawford