EJM Studio's Pew stool reimagines traditional church pews with "tricky angles and curves"

EJM Studio, located in London, has created a series of oak stools using reclaimed wood. They have updated classic British church benches with a modern, artistic style.

Guided by designer Edward John Milton, EJM Studio's newest furniture collection was centered around the idea of transforming old and overlooked design styles through a modern lens, while being mindful of environmental impact.

Milton told Dezeen that he finds inspiration in the UK's extensive and varied history, with many of the buildings and objects that capture his interest standing apart from mainstream design trends.

The church pew is a well-known piece of furniture that is easy to identify. Its design has a long history and there is simplicity in both its purpose and appearance.

Milton recalls spending a lot of time in church during his early years, according to the designer.

I didn't grow up in a religious household, and my parents weren't very religious either. However, what they found valuable about it was the sense of belonging and community it provided.

"In weddings, funerals, or any event not related to religion, church pews symbolize unity," said Milton.

I am curious about how certain traditional design styles that are no longer popular could be transformed into modern items that are not used for religious purposes. In a society where much of our interactions occur on the internet, I believe it is crucial to have objects that provide a break from digital technology.

The idea for the Pew collection was first inspired during a trip to St Albans Cathedral in England, famous for having the longest central aisle in the country.

"I recall being impressed by the way the arcade was curved, repeated, and layered," Milton stated.

"This definitely played a role in the intricate design that emerges when the stools are stacked. I appreciate the concept of transforming a basic pattern or shape into something engaging by layering them, all while still being functional."

The Pew seats were made using computer-controlled milling machines with 3 axes, and then put together and completed by hand.

At first look, their designs appear to be simple, but their final shapes showcase intricate and complex curves.

"Milton explained that the design incorporates challenging angles and curves that were intentionally added to give the object a simple appearance at first glance, but actually has a level of complexity in terms of manufacturing," said Milton.

He also mentioned that the precise millimetre measurements required for stacking created a layered pattern that was well-suited to this manufacturing technique.

Chairs are usually piled up just for their practical use, but I believe it's crucial to think about the style both when they are being used and when they are not, and how these items could fit into someone's living space.

Milton believed that sustainability and recycling played a significant role in determining the materials used.

The chairs were created from oak wood obtained from Fallen & Felled, a supplier in northeast London. They specialize in repurposing timber from trees that have fallen or perished, preventing it from being wasted or simply burned for firewood.

Milton mentioned that more than 90 percent of the hardwood used in the UK is brought in from other countries, and designers need to be conscious of this issue and strive to make a change.

"These specific oak planks came from Hever, Kent," he mentioned.

Many people see flaws in this material as a negative thing. But I think we need to shift our perspective if we want to fully adopt a circular design approach.

Before starting his own design studio in 2021, Milton honed his skills working for well-known British designers like Paul Smith, Tom Dixon, and Thomas Heatherwick. His studio now specializes in creating objects and spaces that communicate meaningful stories.

Different artistic chair designs with unique shapes include the steel, pointed Chul-02 Cone Stool by Sukchulmok and the 3D-printed Digested Objects stool by William Eliot created by mealworms that eat plastic.

The photos were taken by Mark Cocksedge.