Tung Table

John Astbury's journey into the design world is a nuanced tapestry woven with diverse influences. Initially studying anthropology and sociology in his native England, he later relocated to Sweden to delve into product design at Konstfack, the country's preeminent arts, crafts, and design university. His early exposure to boat building sparked a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, while his musical pursuits ignited a passion for infusing emotion into design.

Establishing his eponymous design studio in Stockholm, Astbury channels these passions into a unique creative process. At the heart of his approach lies a commitment to re-examining the fundamental elements of archetypes, seeking innovative expressions and purposeful forms that push design into new realms.

Astbury's notable contributions include the Column shelving series for &Tradition, where he reinterprets architectural accents from Classical, Gothic, and Georgian styles, such as pillars, corbels, and dentils. Focused on the essence of supportive structures, the designs within the series are marked by simplicity with a poetic touch. Astbury's work is characterized by an endeavor to elevate utilitarian objects, playing with proportions, surface textures, and materials.