Header: BD Barcelona
BD, a furniture design company based in Barcelona, has created a collection inspired by the renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí’s design. Placed between the Baroque and the Surreal, the designs were initially created to furnish Casa Calvet and Casa Batlló, designed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection explores a synergy between nature and artistic structure, featuring seats, mirrors, benches, and a coat hanger.
Calvet Chair and Armchair
Designed in 1900-1902 for the Calvet house, the Calvet Chair was rich in form and ornament. An eye-grabbing carving on the trapezoidal backrest is accompanied by a punctuated seat supported by tapered legs. Made of five pieces, the chair blends oak and a dark body for delicate yet sturdy support. Also made for the Calvet house, the Calvet armchair is handcrafted using the same technique as in the past. The curvy lines typical of Gaudí’s design are composed of five pieces, which form a neck, handles, and heart-shaped backrest of the chair.
Calvet stool and bench
Also coming from the Casa Calvet, the Calvet stool and bench amaze with their unique form and presence. The Calvet stool boasts rich contours and varnished grain swerve. Three legs provide stability to the symmetrical structure that can easily fit into any corner of the room. Gaudí’s bold vision is further enhanced by the dark mass of wood that provides a natural lightness to his design. The stool is numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The Calvet Bench underlines the architect’s love for quality and a comfortable frame. Ornamental carvings are accompanied by artistic curves executed in varnished oak. The handmade bench can accommodate up to three sitters. Four tapered legs support the seat while a fluid frame extends from holding the backrest to curve into swirling armrests. Three floral motifs are carved into the backrest, highlighting the lightness of the piece.
Batlló chair
Designed for Casa Batlló, built in 1906, the Batlló chair features sweeping curves and sculptural design. Abstract in appearance, the bony chair is aligned with the roof and curving iron balconies of the building, inspired by the Biblical story of Saint George. Its outstretched backrest and curved seat result in surprising comfort. Gaudí’s bold vision is further enhanced by the dark mass of wood that provides a natural lightness to his design.
Batlló Bench
The Batlló bench’s central armrest divides the two chairs and turns them in different directions. Made from handcrafted oak, the bench places the armrests, seatbacks, legs, and seats within a unique frame. Both the Batlló chair and bench use the crafting method and the material of the original pieces and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Gaudí door knobs
Gaudí designed metalwork fittings by squeezing or piercing clay with his own hands to make an impression. This hand impression was then cast in brass with a polished finish and used for door knobs, viewers, and handles. The ergonomic shapes mimic the grip of a human hand. The pieces named Milá Nº1, Batlló Nº2, Milá Nº3, Milá Nº4, Batlló butterfly, Batlló butterfly-knob, Batlló door handle, and the Calvet peep-hole and Calver door handle are made by David Ferrer, architect, and engraved with Gaudí’s signature.
The Calvet hanger and mirror
The smallest piece of furniture Gaudí ever made, the Calvet hanger curves between wooden elements with brass-plated steel ribbons. Attached to the wall with a rounded oak hanger, the ribbons create three elongated openings in the protruding wooden piece, perfect for hanging. The Calvet mirror was used to balance the modest façade of Calvet House. Designed in 1902, the mirror’s fluid form is decorated with gold leaf. Hand-shaped to form a sculpture, each mirror is numbered and accompanied by a certificate.
The work of Antoni Gaudí, a Catalan artist and architect, is characterised by his devotion to faith and nature. Best known for the magnificent Sagrada Familia cathedral, Gaudí was a leading figure in Modernism. His holistic approach to design meant he created both structural elements of buildings and decorative details, such as furnishings. BD is the first company to revive its iconic furniture designs with the Gaudí collection, thus bringing his designs closer to a new audience of young collectors.
