Wilhelm Teller is an upcycled collection of old dishes that are transformed into etagères. Designed by Christian Altherr, Irene Düring and Ana Rangel, the plates are an ensemble of pieces gathered from second hand shops and flea markets.
In order to create a unique mix of two or three level combinations, the team had to locate the right diamond-tipped drills to make a hole in the hard yet brittle porcelain. The specially designed threaded brass rods connect the pieces, providing a stable and easy to grip connection.
The simple connection allows an easy and quick assembling and dismantling. Within the one-off pieces are an interpretation that lies a rediscovery of a practical principle.
The idea was inspired three years ago Christian Altherr’s girlfriend who fell in love with an antique porcelain étagère in London. Altherr was not able to afford it, nor could he find a comparable substitute. Instead he set about fashioning his own version, which would become a prototype of the current series.
The greatest pleasure comes from those customers who bring inherited tableware that they no longer need but wish to have made into étagères as a memento for their family and friends.
A minimal gesture is found on the underside of each piece where an engraved cell phone number can be found for future orders – a minimalistic gesture that underscores the recycling of the existing designs.
All pieces are made in Switzerland.
Richelle Sibolboro 