Breathing life into found pieces with Stow Studio
Restoration is a journey—one that takes patience, expertise, and a deep respect for the past. Arne and Ellis Cunningham, the founders of Stow Studio, have embraced this process wholeheartedly. Their passion for sourcing, restoring, and rehoming timeless design was shaped by childhoods spent among market traders and developed into a full-scale practice at their 2,700 sq ft studio in Walthamstow.
A natural collaboration
Just as we were searching for pieces to enhance the spaces at On the Square, Stow Studio had just taken in a set of five well-worn Robin Day chairs—a 1952 recliner and five slatt chairs from 1952 precursor to Day’s later Chevron design. The timing was serendipitous, and the collaboration took shape naturally, with Stow restoring and reupholstering the chairs using Kvadrat deadstock fabrics, these were art directed by Irenie Studio, with keeping respect and keep the textures and a nod to the original colours of the original chairs.While the upholstery has been refreshed, the character of the original pieces remains, with each chair carefully restored to preserve its unique patina. The result is a perfect reflection of On the Square’s ethos—breathing new life into found spaces, celebrating the beauty of history, and allowing design to evolve over time.
About Stow StudioFounded in 2024, Stow Studio is a photographic and furniture restoration studio that merges mid-century design expertise with a versatile daylight-filled creative space. Alongside their meticulously curated furniture collection, the studio offers a range of props and settings for photoshoots, film productions, and events, making it a hub for creatives who value both aesthetic and functionality.We are proud to have Stow Studio’s craftsmanship embedded within On the Square, where every seat tells a story, every detail carries history, and every restored piece contributes to the evolving narrative of the house.
Reviving the pieces felt aligned with On the Square's mission of 'breathing life back into found spaces. Seeing them here in situ, in such an inspiring domestic setting, the chairs stand testament to the timeless quality of their design, fully restored and poised for the next chapter.
Arne and Ellis Cunningham
Stow studios
Now, as we enter the final weeks before we can share a sneak preview of the house, these carefully revived pieces stand ready to take their place—another layer of history woven into On the Square. Stay tuned for what’s to come.