Exploring industrial artistry through tom pearson’s riveted design
Designer Tom Pearson has unveiled the 10,000 Rivets collection, a striking assembly of industrial furniture debuted at London’s APOC store during the Design Festival. This collection marks the first foray into furniture and lighting for Tom Pearson Studio, showcasing riveted aluminium in its design. The collection, referred to as his signature work, features pieces that double as display cases and tables, serving as display cases and tables for contemporary fashion.
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Anodising as artistic exploration in the collection
Building on his experience with Jamps Studio, Pearson delves into anodising—a technique that alters aluminium’s surface to create a water-resistant layer. “The forms are shaped by the limitations of the anodising process,” Pearson shares, highlighting the necessity of using non-welded rivet constructions due to the constraints of tank sizes and welding nuances present in these designs.

“Finishing aluminium is notoriously tricky,” Pearson notes. “Anodising solves this, but experimenting in traditional settings is often unwelcome, prompting me to apply dyes manually for unique effects in these creations.”

Creating water droplet patterns in the creations
The designer’s explorations with dye application involve brushes and pipettes, resulting in droplet-like patterns across the geometric forms. Pearson comments, “I embrace the process’s unpredictability to establish a decorative patina.” This approach makes the pieces both functional and visually compelling in his work.
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Riveted geometry and playful design
Pearson’s riveting technique ensures these angular structures appear sculptural, almost floating. Though the exhibition features 6,264 rivets, the name 10,000 Rivets hints at a playful misplacement—”Who knows where the rest have gone?” Pearson muses about the project.

Produced by Heavy Duty Services and captured by Studio Adamson, these pieces reflect Pearson’s playful ethos—a journey guided by experimentation rather than rigid concepts. His work challenges traditional furniture design with its sleek, exposed rivet seams and intricate patterns.

Running from 12 to 20 September, you can explore 10,000 Rivets at the APOC store in London, linking into the broader tapestry of innovative designs showcased at the London Design Festival, prominently featuring this collection.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Tom Pearson’s collection at the London Design Festival?
Tom Pearson’s collection, called the 10,000 Rivets collection, is an assembly of industrial furniture featuring riveted aluminium designs. It marks his studio’s first entry into furniture and lighting design, doubling as display cases and tables for contemporary fashion.
How does Tom Pearson approach anodising in his designs?
Tom Pearson explores anodising by altering aluminium’s surface to create a water-resistant layer. He highlights the use of non-welded rivet constructions due to the limitations of tank sizes and welding nuances.
What aesthetic technique does Pearson use in his creations?
Pearson uses dye application with brushes and pipettes to create droplet-like patterns across the geometric forms, embracing the process’s unpredictability to establish a decorative patina.
