Australia’s Colonial period may not seem like an obvious source of inspiration for contemporary designers – but the years between 1788-1848, Australia’s period of industrial revolution and a British and American-inspired move towards modernity, have become the subject of a new design collaboration.

Broached Commissions is the work of creative director Lou Weis, designers Trent Jansen, Adam Goodrum and Charles Wilson, who teamed up in late 2009 with Broached Colonial curator John McPhee, beginning a 2 year period of research into the colonial period and the development of a limited edition range of furniture and objects.

Trent Jansen, Briggs Family Tea Service

Adam Goodrum, The Birdsmouth Table

Designers Max Lamb, Lucy McRae and Chen Lu were brought on board to work with the Broached team and provide their own design responses to the colonial period.

Each of the pieces created embodies the ’make-do’ sensibility of the Australian frontier mentality, with a simple and rustic, repurposed aesthetic.

Lucy McRae, Prickly Light

Chen Lu, Dream Lantern

Broached Colonial Commissions will be on display in Melbourne from 27 October until 5 November, and Sydney from 10 November until 17 November.

Next year’s Broached Commissions will explore a different event in Australian history and involve a new curator and guest designers.

Join Lou Weis, John McPhee, Trent Jansen, Charles Wilson, Adam Goodrum and Chen Lu in conversation at the Broached Colonial Commissions Floor Talks, in Melbourne on Saturday 29 October and Sydney on Saturday 12 November

Charles Wilson, Tall Boy

Max Lamb, Hawkesbury Sandstone Collection

Broached Colonial Commissions
Melbourne 12-6pm | 27 October-5 November | 21 Bouverie St, Melbourne
Sydney 12-6pm | 10-17 November | Former Paramount Pictures Building, 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

Broached Commissions
broachedcommissions.com