On the West coast of Africa a team of local craftsmen have been contracted by a brilliant designer from Catalunya, Spain. Their job: To upcycle local fishing boats that are no longer useful into pieces of furniture. This is the story of Artlantique, a one-of-a-kind furniture company that makes the Commode Thies and Commode Assane dressers based on a wondrous, sustainable system of re-use.

Commode Assane. Manufactured by Artlantique.

The Colorful Commode Dressers by Artlantique Made by Skilled Craftsmen in West Africa.

Designer Ramon Llonch takes credit for the ingenious idea behind the reincarnation of old fishing ships-turned-eco-friendly furniture that is sold in Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain. However, he hands off the true talent and craftsmanship to the workers in Senegal who dedicate their focus daily to the pieces like the Commode Assane and Commode Thies dressers. The Assane is made of four, long horizontal drawers and measures 109cm x 57cm x 99cm, while the Thies has nine square drawers, measuring 120cm x 60cm x 89cm.

Commode Thies. Manufactured by Artlantique.

Artlantique’s designer Llonch remembers the initial inspiration for the project, saying “Seen from a distance, (the boats) form an extensive colourful mosaic. Attracted by the beauty of this scene, we asked ourselves if after their long, ocean going life, the wood could be in good enough condition to begin a new life… the question was if the wood, after being a sea going vessel, would radiate the same energy and preserve the history of the fishermen.”

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it’s definitely also set deep within the history of the materials used to create the weathered result. With Artlantique’s 100% African wood and skilled labor, the Commode Assane and Commode Thies are two of many eclectic offerings that we’ll hopefully see imported into the U.S. soon.

About the Manufacturer: Artlantique manufactures all of their residential furnishings on the coast of West Africa. They distribute their colorful upcycled furniture to Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain. This includes chairs, stools, chests, dressers, console tables, coffee tables, trunks, and foosball tables, among other designs that were conceived and planned by Catalan designer, Ramon Llonch.

via Lost At E Minor