Designer Edward John Milton discusses his upcoming Pew collection and his fascination with traditional typologies while reimagining them for a contemporary design audience
The Pew Collection by EJM Studio is a set of stackable stools inspired by the form of a traditional British church pew. Photography by Mark Cocksedge
Words by Roddy Clarke
Since launching his own studio in August 2021, designer Edward John Milton has worked on an array of projects stating his focus lies in sharing stories through objects and spaces. The designer’s upcoming collection, titled Pew, references the form of a traditional British church pew and alludes to his intrigue in historic typologies and how they can be reimagined for a contemporary design audience today. Consisting of a set of stackable stools which have been crafted from fallen timber, Milton’s circular mindset is also an inherent component of his design approach.
After studying product design at Coventry University, Milton went on to work within prolific studios such as Tom Dixon and Paul Smith before embarking on his own personal venture. ‘I’ve always respected the confidence they have had to take risks and deliver something unexpected,’ he says when discussing his creative journey and his experience working alongside such acclaimed industry figures.
‘I often describe my creative journey as a process of zooming out. Throughout my university days I was heavily influenced by the rise of Apple and designers like Jonny Ive but I soon realised I was interested in more than just the smallest object in the room. I wanted to understand the spaces they inhabit and the human behaviour surrounding them more deeply. It wasn’t long before I started working across furniture, interiors and bigger architectural projects.’
When stacked, the Pew Stools by EJM Studio possess a sculptural beauty both in and out of use. Photography by Mark Cocksedge
With his influences today coming from music, art and fashion, Milton’s work comes to life through meticulous attention to detail and a beautiful materiality. Allowing the materials he uses to speak for themselves, his ability to blend function with an understated, yet somehow classic, aesthetic results in pieces which exude a depth that is often witnessed from designers with years of experience.
Speaking of his inspiration, Milton comments on the incessant curiosity which allows him to find stimulation from a variety of sources subsequently feeding into both his interior and product creations. ‘I remember first discovering Carlo Scarpa’s work and marvelling at how well he could consider both the design of a space and the tiniest detail within it,’ he says. ‘I also often find myself referring back to artists such as Donald Judd and Agnes Martin as there’s an intricacy behind the simplicity of their work which draws you in.’
Looking specifically at the Pew project, it captures Milton’s design modesty, while offering a versatile and practical seating solution for both public and residential settings where larger gatherings might be hosted. Based on the structure of a church pew, Milton comments how such furniture resonates with many, evoking a sense of community and togetherness. ‘These are all themes I wanted to explore from a modern viewpoint and with a conscious approach,’ he explains while also drawing attention to the scrap material it is constructed from. ‘It felt appropriate for this project to focus on re-use and sustainability.’
Edward John Milton worked for studios such as Tom Dixon and Paul Smith before setting up EJM Studio in 2021. Photography by Paul Perkins
The stools were conceived through a partnership with Fallen & Felled, a timber merchant working solely with fallen trees salvaged from different neighbourhoods across the UK. And, with over 90% of hardwood used in the UK still imported, projects such as these are pivotal in showcasing how local fallen timber can be a vital contributor towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Fallen & Felled are working hard to give fallen trees a second life rather than letting them be chipped and used as firewood and are collaborating with makers and designers such as Milton to display the design opportunities that can be found from using fallen trees. ‘These oak boards were sourced in Hever, Kent and had a number of imperfections which are often considered undesirable,’ Milton reveals. ‘However, I firmly believe this is a mindset we need to change in order to embrace re-use and, in turn, more sustainable working practices.’
Helping to reframe the true meaning of ‘perfection’ in wooden furniture, Milton’s commitment to using this timber again reiterates the urgent need for change. Celebrating the imperfections and natural grain patterns of timber not only is part of a more sustainable mindset but it ensures such collections can move away from the homogenous aesthetics and finishes we have become accustomed to.
The Pew Collection has been handcrafted from fallen timber provided by Fallen & Felled. Photography by Mark Cocksedge
‘Further to the materials used to construct the stools, there was a sculptural aspect I wanted to examine,’ he continues. ‘Often pews have a two-dimensional design which are decorated at each end with a pattern or embellishment so I set out to simplify this idea whilst considering how I can play with this design language when stacked. The result is something which I feel is sculptural and intentional and, as stools are often stacked from purely a functional standpoint, I wanted to consider the design both in and out of use and how they might exist in someone’s home.’
Looking at their placement and connection to places of worship, Milton also comments on how such venues have always been a source of interest for him. ‘They exist in a world outside of typical trends and design ideas,’ he says. ‘While I didn’t have a religious upbringing, what churches offer is a support network and community. Pews provide a place to sit for everyone and they always felt democratic in that sense. I’m interested in how some of these familiar but forgotten design typologies might exist as modern objects outside of a religious setting.’
Looking ahead, Milton states how he will be happy as long as he is producing work which he believes has integrity and can be used as a vessel for positive change. ‘Most designers I know are great problem solvers and we’re not short of problems that require thoughtful, creative solutions,’ he concludes. ‘With that said, I think collaboration is the key to systemic change as it can help to create a more diverse industry with broader representation. The design industry is full of people that look like me and, through working together, I think we can create a more balanced landscape.’
Stay updated here for further information when the Pew Collection launches this summer
Get a curated collection of design and architecture news in your inbox by signing up to our ICON Weekly newsletter
