In December 2023, Objectspace will open an exhibition telling a story of design and making in Aotearoa through a single object – the chair. 

The exhibition will feature 80 – 100 chairs spanning more than 150 years. With our works list coming together at pace, we're calling to the public to help us track down some significant New Zealand chairs, and chairs by significant New Zealand makers.  

If you have any of the below and would consider lending to this exhibition, please email an image and details to with the subject line ‘Chair Tip,' or call the gallery on +64 9 376 6216.

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We’re seeking chairs by these makers:

Cedric Firth

Peder Hansen

Diana Firth

Otto Larsen

Namco

James Bowkett Coe

Ernst Plishcke

Brenner Associates

R G S Beatson

Peter Smeele

Colin Slade

Mike Tree

Roland Siebertz

James Dowle

Francois Aries

Rudi Schwarz

Humphrey Ikin

Edzer Roukema

Vladimir Cacala

Vernon Brown

John Scott

Peter Mclean

Marc Zuckerman

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And these specific chairs:

Michael Payne Ply Craft Side Chair

New Zealand made Boomerang Chairs

John Crichton Safari Chair

Garth Chester Bikini Chair

Early Dankse Mobler Lip Chair

John Hughes Chair

Roger Land Baby Hippo Chair

Brian Russell Miss Peel Chair

Peder Hansen’s Safari Chair

Humphrey Ikin Stave Chairs

Bush furniture

Twig chairs

Homemade one-off chairs

Women chair makers / designers

Church chairs

Marae chairs

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All other chair tips welcome! Spanning 1800s to the present day and made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Please note the above does not reflect our entire works list for this exhibition, we are grateful to have many chairs confirmed for the show through both public collections and private lending.