Dezeen Magazine

Torquemada table and chair by Philippe Starck at Driade

Philippe Starck designs seating for Driade based on historic torture devices

Launched at Milan design week, Philippe Starck's latest furniture collection for Italian brand Driade references torture devices used during the Spanish Inquisition.

Torquemada chair by Philippe Starck at Driade

Composed of a table, a chair, an armchair and a stool, the Torquemada collection is named after Tomas de Torquemada, who served as the bloodthirsty Grand Inquisitor during the Spanish Inquisition in the late 15th century.

They feature moulded metal details that look like shackles.

Torquemada chair by Philippe Starck at Driade

The Torquemada chair, armchair and stool each feature a simple wooden frame with a curved back and splayed legs, with a distinctive set of mirror polished stainless-steel manacles to connect the base to the back legs.

Torquemada table by Philippe Starck at Driade

The Torquemada table has a similarly restrained appearance that recalls the design of a torture rack. Underneath the table top, two rectangular mirror polished steel supports slice the table's legs like a guillotine.

Torquemada chair by Philippe Starck at Driade

Available in natural oak and matt white, yellow, grey, pastel lavender or pink lacquer, all the pieces from the collection are also available in a textured gouged oak finish. Starck and Driade say this "highlights the authenticity of this handcrafted furniture."

Torquemada chair by Philippe Starck at Driade

The Torquemada collection forms part of Driade's wider 2017 collection, for which designers were invited to create pieces based around the theme of 'revolution'.

In addition to Torquemada, Starck has also designed a series of leather armchairs called Lou Speak and a modular sofa called Wow.

Torquemada chair by Philippe Starck at Driade

Starck, who ranks at number 98 on the Dezeen Hotlist, is one of the best-known names in design still working today. His best-known pieces include the iconic Louis Ghost chair, Gnome stool and Juicy Salif citrus squeezer.

Last year, Starck designed his first smartphone, created a minimal and recyclable summer sandal collection for Brazilian brand Ipanema, and added three eau de toilettes to his extensive catalogue of products.

Elsewhere at Milan design week, Italian brand Mattiazzi introduced the stripped-back Quindici lounge chair by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, and Jasper Morrison unveiled a pair of sandals for Camper inspired by tatami mats.