TH Sneak Peek - Ryan Frank's Shanty

For all you industrial chic junkies out there this one is for you. Ryan Frank, the South African born, London based product designer, has been featured several times on TreeHugger for his his wonderous use of eco-friendly materials. He of the Sunday Morning Chair, the Inkuku Chair, and the Zilka clothes hangers has now found a way to salvage some of the waste materials being produced by clearing sites in East London for the 2012 Olympics. Ryan has given TreeHugger a sneak peek at his first product born from this project, in advance of its launch at the Milan Furniture Fair in April. He says that Shanty, a standing lamp made from corrugated iron sheeting, was inspired by the industrious use of corrugated iron sheets in many of the South African townships. Ryan tells us that the sheets used for the Shanty light have been treated where particular areas are exposed, allowing the natural rusting process to take place in a variety of different shapes and patterns. He says "Rust has so much character and really tells a story; to bring it into the home allows one to watch it develop and slowly transform over time." Shanty uses an energy saving bulb and all it's components are fully recyclable.

We are also pleased to hear that Ryan was given the 'Most Sustainable Product' award at the Annual Hidden Art Awards in December last year for his Inkuku chair that was made from reused shopping bags and recycled aluminium. Congratulations Ryan and we wish you best of luck in Milan this year. :: Ryan Frank
Ryan Frank at Milan Furniture Fair, 18 April 2007: Stand C29, Salone Satellite, (Pavilion 22-24), New Fiera Milano.