Meet ARCHIVISM’s inaugural collection, bringing a fresh sense of Brutalist and Romantic touches to any interior. An earnest exploration into the history of American woodwork and craft, ARCHIVISM strives to usher in a new era, one that prioritizes sustainable manufacturing and local craftsmanship. A collaboration between longtime friends Chris Hardy and Ben Gaffney, this collection combines furniture and preservation of knowledge as one.
The debut collection features pieces such as the Pryn Occasional Tables and Elmyr Dining Table, both designed by co-founder and creative director Chris Hardy. “The approach to our design process starts with a clear, overarching brand vision that serves as a guiding framework for our collaborative partners,” he explains. “This helps create a framework for them to work within that gives them the flexibility to express their own point of view, but also delivers a product that works within our goals for an assortment.” With solid, sturdy lines, taking care to not spare any expense, these tables embody the timelessness of American design: a mix of folk art, modern innovation, and woodworking heritage.
“Our goal is to create thoughtful furnishings that are pure in both concept and execution, filling a gap between high-end American and European design,” says Hardy. “Drawing inspiration from a multitude of global influences and makers, we’re committed to showcasing a variety of design voices through collaboration and fostering a rich culture.” The Fane Book Stand, designed by Norm Architects, is an elegant example of these concepts. Marrying the simplicity of Danish design and American handicraft, the Fane collection aims to elevate the presence of books as a cornerstone of culture.
The Edda Credenza exudes old-world charm, with the enticing regularity of Art Deco. Made of a beautiful walnut, this piece helps enhance the qualities within the wood, shining through the refined proportions we’ve grown to know and love from Norm Architects. The details within the credenza are hidden intentionally, allowing the front to be perfectly seamless. The jaunty overhang of the top adds a slimness to the base, highlighting the simple relationship between the legs, dignified and solid in their form.
The Pryn Occasional Tables feature a unique leg design, the footprint of the leg following unchanged up to the top, ending in an exquisitely crafted lip. This extends up slightly from the tabletop, almost like a wave lapping up on shore. A delicate touch of movement frozen in walnut, this modern table would make a beautiful addition to any interior. The Edda Credenza and Elmyr Dining Table are produced in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, while the Pryn Occasional Tables are crafted in Seattle. “Our mission is to fulfill an idealized lifestyle through design that merges aesthetic beauty with precise craftsmanship,” adds Gaffney. “We are proud to manufacture almost exclusively in the U.S., offering a competitive alternative to European brands without sacrificing quality or design integrity.”
ARCHIVISM is a culmination of the friendship between Hardy and Gaffney, offering high quality products thoughtfully crafted in the United States. They offer a designer-led approach, curating a library of vintage books on art, architecture, and design, available for purchase on their website. Gaffney shares: “We aim to foster a proud and impactful dialogue around American design and manufacturing, striving for a level of quality and innovation that hasn’t been done in the past 30 years. This isn’t about chasing short-term gains – we’re building a legacy brand.”
For more on ARCHIVISM and their debut collection, please visit their website at archivism.com.