Matthew Hilton is the multi-award-winning designer behind Britain’s answer to the Eames lounge chair. His most famous creation, the Balzac, turns 25 this year, and to celebrate its quarter-century, he has agreed to an interview (unusual) and a shoot at his home (unheard of).
He answers the door of his flat in southeast London looking preoccupied, his hair in feral spikes. He explains that he is in the middle of waterproofing his rain jacket for a canoeing holiday in the Canadian wilderness. “I washed it with a wash-in waterproofer — I just don’t understand how that works — and when it is almost dry, I have to spray it as well.” While his rainwear is drying, he agrees to talk chairs, collecting and home.
Seat of excellence: Matthew Hilton with his Balzac chair and ottoman at his home in southeast London (£3,132, or £3,890 with ottoman; scp.co.uk)
VICKI COUCHMAN
Hilton