THESE considerately crafted little numbers come from Waldeck Studios – a 3-D design company founded by artist Ian Waldeck. The company designs and crafts anything from sculptural objects to architectural components, to the odd pair of handcuffs. These particular toys were commissioned, says Waldeck, by a friend in engineering, who asked him to assemble something decent (handcuffs can be so uncomfortable). “I don’t understand design,” explains Waldeck, who is disenchanted with what he sees as the current mania for “overdesign”. “Nothing should be designed,” he says emphatically.
With his tongue firmly in his cheek, Waldeck will be producing “designer coathangers” – the ultimate wardrobe accessory – to prove a rebellious point. They should prove to be very popular.