Pushing the boat out: Wewood
Brand story by Sisse Bro
Gandra, Portugal
13.04.21
Named after the boats which traditionally transported wine barrels from countryside to coast, the design of Wewood’s sculptural Rabelo sofa embraces Portugal’s rich history and culture.
Wewood continues to grow its collection of exclusive furniture, all of which can be matched in numerous different settings
Wewood continues to grow its collection of exclusive furniture, all of which can be matched in numerous different settings
×Coming from a place that lacks strong traditions when it comes to furniture design compared to some other countries, Portugal’s Wewood gladly finds inspiration from beyond its borders. However, Wewood not only cherishes, but also seeks direct influence from, Portugal’s own rich history and culture.
To fill me in on the brand’s visual identity and vision, Wewood shared their mood board, a selection of historic and contemporary curiosities that somehow inspires the forms and colours of the pieces: a mid-century Portuguese flight tag, a white and blue book cover ‘Traits of Portuguese Culture’, an old Portuguese stamp celebrating the 450th anniversary of the foundation of Goa in India, sunlit landscapes by the sea, and numerous images of hardworking people, fishing, sheep-shearing, sailing, harvesting. Some brands have manifestos, Wewood has this.
The Rabelo sofa, which is available in soft fabrics as well as leather, has a remarkable shape – with every angle making a strong impression
The Rabelo sofa, which is available in soft fabrics as well as leather, has a remarkable shape – with every angle making a strong impression
×The mood board reveals something about Wewood’s openness, its interest in the past and how the company wishes to make beauty and values from the past, relevant for the future. Its goal is to sustain tradition and craftsmanship whilst striving to introduce its own take on contemporary furniture in the present-day design arena.
The Rabelo Sofa, recently launched and designed by Christophe de Sousa, is a fitting example of how Wewood manages to blend its own culture, the history of design as well as some newer styles and trends and convert it into something of its own. For those who have yet to discover Porto, Rabelo is the name of the historic boat which traditionally transported the port wine barrels from the countryside to Porto, a sculptural epitome of life on the river Douro, which swirls through the Spanish and Portuguese landscape before opening out into the Atlantic.
The visual dialogue between boat and sofa is undeniable – and elegantly so. The volume and proportions of the upholstery demonstrate meticulousness from both designer and craftsman, all slightly lifted by a wooden structure, keeping the sofa afloat. Who wouldn’t want to lay down and just sail away?
© Architonic
