The Torquemada Collection is Inspired by the Spanish Inquisition
Joey Haar — April 12, 2017 — Art & Design
The Spanish Inquisition was a gruesome historical moment, but that hasn't deterred Philippe Starck from taking inspiration from it with his Torquemada collection. The furniture series, which includes a table, a chair, an armchair, and a stool, uses minimalist design features to subtly reference the grisly torture devices that were used during the Spanish Inquisition — all while remaining attractive (if slightly macabre) pieces of home decor.
The Torquemada collection is of course named after Tomas de Torquemada, the Grand Inquisitor who led that dark period in Spanish history in the late 15th century. Though the referential aspects of the collection are indeed subtle, they nonetheless make for striking pieces. The legs of the chairs are bound together by thick chrome rings that look like shackles, and the table's raw, faded wood is distinctly reminiscent of the rack.
The Torquemada collection is of course named after Tomas de Torquemada, the Grand Inquisitor who led that dark period in Spanish history in the late 15th century. Though the referential aspects of the collection are indeed subtle, they nonetheless make for striking pieces. The legs of the chairs are bound together by thick chrome rings that look like shackles, and the table's raw, faded wood is distinctly reminiscent of the rack.
Trend Themes
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2. Minimalist Furniture Design - Embracing minimalist design principles to create visually appealing furniture that balances simplicity and functionality.
3. Macabre Home Decor - Catering to consumers who have a taste for dark and unconventional home decor, combining aesthetics and historical inspiration.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - Opportunities for furniture manufacturers to create unique and innovative pieces by incorporating subtle historical references into their designs.
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