THE FORTYNINE STUDIO (NSW)
The Fortynine Studio is a collaborative design studio based in Sydney, Australia. Made up of five members; Lauren Austin, Ben Elbourne, Sarah Spackman, Carly Vickers, and Harriet Watts, the studio designs, produces and makes work across a range of disciplines and materials. From ceramic tableware, to textiles and object design, the studio aims to develop original work with a considered and local approach.

THE BUSHFIRE
This collection of work is an exploration and expression of Australia’s understanding of the unique regenerative aspects of bushfire. Drawing from the Australian landscape, the five objects relate to one another through materiality, finish and colour, with each object designed to function both individually and as part of the suite. The works make use of local and reclaimed materials including native plant fibres, timber, metal sheet and ceramic, and have been developed using local manufacturers in combination with a number of hand finishing techniques.
Tinderlight by Lauren Austin represents the ignition of fire, borrowing from seedpod forms.
Macrocarpa by Ben Elbourne is a table that explores the stages of bushfire and regeneration. Materials have been carefully chosen and layered so that the table can survive and change through fire.
Operculum by Sarah Spackman is a copper brush that takes its form from native flora. The brush is useful for cleaning surfaces. The user is able to replace the bristles after they wear out with locally available fibres or other material.
Integument by Carly Vickers’ is a bowl that references the contrasting smooth interior and resilient exterior of seedpods that open up only as a result of fire.
Epicormic Clamp by Harriet Watts takes its lead from the new growth that appears on trees after fire. The clamp allows the user to create, and make additions to, structures with readily available materials in standard sizes.