Hardy Collection Archives

Hardy Collection

Combining both time-honoured craft techniques and modern technology, the Hardy collection has been inspired by Another Country’s Dorset heritage and references the design typologies of the 19th century, Thomas Hardy’s birth century.

Designed by award-winning British designer David Irwin, the collection grew out of the Hardy Chair, originally designed in 2015 to celebrate Another Country’s 5th anniversary. The Hardy Chair was awarded the prestigious Design Guild Mark in 2016.

While exploring Dorset culture, Irwin stumbled upon Thomas Hardy’s poem, ‘Old Furniture’ – an ode to the beauty of furniture being handed down the generations. “The design of the Hardy family picks up where it left off from the original Hardy chair, creating a collection of furniture that imbues quality and longevity so that it will be passed down through the generations,” states Irwin.

“With the design of the Hardy Collection I have kept one eye on the past and one on the present, utilising time honoured Windsor chair making techniques to create a range that although has a vague element of nostalgia, still retains a contemporary aesthetic and relevance for today’s environments”

The collection features tapered dowel joints and steam bent back rests, all helping to retain the robust construction and sympathetic proportions of Hardy. Softly rounded corners demonstrate the versatile, comfortable and hardworking design Another Country has typically become known for.

“Each piece in the collection celebrates the knowledge and skill of the hands which made it, resulting in a collection of honest and humble furniture built to last, to be lived with and to be loved.”