Refined minimalism by BassamFellows | Collected by Obumex

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BassamFellows

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Modern Craftsman with a historical background

The BassamFellows brand is the brainchild of Craig Bassam and Scott Fellows. In their workshop in Connecticut, USA, they combine contemporary craftsmanship with luxury design furniture and lifestyle objects. The pair have named their working method Modern Craftsman. In addition to chairs, tables, stools, sofas and interior objects, BassamFellows’ product catalogue also includes clothing, travel bags, sunglasses and footwear.

Design in the broadest sense of the word

BassamFellows was founded at the turn of the millennium by Craig Bassam and Scott Fellows to establish a new American luxury brand. Scott Fellows, previously Art Director for various design houses, teamed up with Craig Bassam, an accomplished interior and furniture designer. Together, they embraced their Modern Craftsman ethos, which extends beyond furniture and product design to encompass interior design projects worldwide. Their portfolio spans residential and hospitality projects across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

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Modern Craftsman as the starting point

Craig Bassam and Scott Fellows are credited as the founders of Modern Craftsman, characterized by minimalism, precision, and craftsmanship. This design movement draws inspiration from the American Craftsman style of the early 20th century, known for its simplicity and departure from the ornate Victorian era. Craig Bassam and Scott Fellows introduced Modern Craftsman to the public in 2003. One of their early furniture pieces, the Tractor stool, debuted at the Salone del Mobile design fair in Milan in 2000.

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Classical influences of BassamFellows

Natural materials play a pivotal role in Craig Bassam and Scott Fellows' Modern Craftsman products, with a strong emphasis on wood, particularly ash, walnut, and teak. Their designs draw inspiration from historical influences, such as the Brutalism movement exemplified by pioneers like Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret, and Le Corbusier. For instance, the Brutus chairs introduced by BassamFellows in 2020 were inspired by Jeanneret, featuring a Vienna caning seat. Influences from Thonet design pioneer Mart Stam are clearly present in BassamFellows' Geometric tubular steel chairs and tables. Leather also features prominently in their aesthetic, seen in pieces like the Geometric chairs and Leather Desk.

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