Iconic David Trubridge South Pacific 'Rocker' Rocking Chair and 'Flip' Ottoman
Before settling in New Zealand in 1985, David Trubridge and his family set out on an open ended adventure sailing the Pacific and Caribbean. The five years at sea had a major influence on David's design aesthetic and helped form a strong environmentally conscious philosophy that informs all aspects of his practice. Today, David's work is celebrated throughout the world and represented in the permanent collection of many leading international museums.
The 'Rocker' is characterised by its lightness of form and transparency of structure. Trubridge has employed his own individual creative vocabulary to create a uniquely South Pacific design. It's a beautiful object defined by organic forms which showcase the marine influenced aesthetic that he has become known for.
"My first exhibitions at the Milan Furniture Fair were with Australian designer Ruth McDermott and she encouraged me to design a rocking chair. This is the result" – David Trubridge.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
The items showcased in our gallery are constantly changing – not all items are on display at once.
Please enquire if there is a specific piece you would like to view and we’ll make sure it’s in the gallery.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Ponsonby gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Iconic David Trubridge South Pacific 'Rocker' Rocking Chair and 'Flip' Ottoman
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
Born in England, Trubridge qualified in naval architecture from Newcastle University. Designing furniture was a self taught extension of his skill and experience, aided by developments in digital design. Trubridge and his family spent four years sailing and working around the Caribbean and through the Pacific. The experiences on this sojourn inspired new designs like the Canoe Chair.
After returning to New Zealand, Trubridge and his family moved to Havelock North where he set up a workshop. In 2001 he captured international attention when his contribution to the Milan Furniture Fair was selected for manufacture by Cappellini. The shine of David Trubridge's star has grown even brighter in the last ten years. His work has been celebrated by a host of admirers.
Everyone from museums like the V&A to style magazines and fashion mavens loves the raw, nature inspired elegance of Trubridge's work.
