For our Inspiration series, staff at The Modern House were asked to list a location, film, painting, building, book or piece of music that inspired their interest in Modernism.

Here, our Senior Appraisals Specialist, Charlie, identifies the influence of furniture and photography.

“Having worked with modernist furniture for some time, with a particular appreciation for Alvar Aalto, Bruno Mathsson and Arne Jacobson, I came across a wonderful book called ‘Modern Originals’ by a photographer called Leslie Williamson.

“The book explores the personal homes of some much-celebrated twentieth-century designers from around the world, photographing the environments in which they lived and worked.

“I was struck by the simplicity and playfulness of their environments as they experimented with the furniture’s relationship with the building. It distilled in me that furniture and architecture were inextricably linked, not just by the aesthetic influence, but by the very fact that both are created to be used by people. For me, that’s what gives design its soul.”