Mahdi Mu for you
Matt McGuire meets Martin Thomas to discuss his beautiful wooden furniture – naturally
Well, here we all are, loitering uncomfortably in the firing line of Christmas. G-g-ghastly, isn’t it? Still, it does present the perfect opportunity for me to introduce you to an excellent carpenter. (No, settle down at the back, not that one…)
This splendid chisel-wielder is one Martin Thomas, the man behind Mahdi Mu and creator of such furniture and interiors as to make your heart sing. His workshop on Farm Road is overflowing with knick-knacks and pieces-in-progress and is a wonderful and serene place to visit.
“I work predominantly with found objects and recycled materials – stuff that comes my way,” begins Martin. “For example, I’ve just sourced lots of timber from the Palace Pier, including some gorgeous purple-heart wood.” He shows me some sanded sections and they are indeed a joy to behold.
“there’s a spiritual edge to my work, working with found objects I allow each piece to take shape naturally, it’s often an organic progression”
Martin’s been working with wood for 20 years. After studying at art college in Epsom, he left the UK to travel the world. “I found inspiration here, there and everywhere,” he smiles.
“There’s a spiritual edge to my work,” he adds. “Working with found objects, I allow each piece to take shape naturally. Sea-worn timbers, for example, can come in such incredible shapes. When I begin to work it’s often an organic progression to the final piece.” Many of the shapes and forms remind me of Gaudi and his seaweed balconies, his wonderful and unlikely, rippling structures.
Martin creates any and all one-off pieces – from chairs to ornaments, tables to shrines – as well as full commercial fit-outs. “I’ve done a few of commissions for Zel”, he says, “as well as the full install for the Bee’s Mouth bar. But my current major project is for the forthcoming Myhotel (the boutique hotel chain) on Jubilee Street. I’m doing a range of desks and furniture for their themed suites on the top floor. So I’ve got my hands full for a while!”
But when he isn’t busy bevelling, Martin also travels the festivals with Zuvuya, his hazelwood geodesic dome that houses a cinema and bar. Oh, and as if all that weren’t enough, he’s also found time to fashion a monumentally marvellous moustache. Top marks all round, then.
Tune in next week, tinsel fans, for Brighton’s first frankincense and myrrh boutique, as well as a beguiling online swaddling store.
