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Tom Chapman’s Secrets to Memorable Gifting

Unwrap the Magic

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Under the thoughtful stewardship of online platform ABASK, original designs made with superior craftsmanship come into their own. Each and every piece has been carefully curated to tell a unique story. Think hand-blown candles from London. Fine woven linen from Mexico. Delicate urushi lacquer from Japan. The list goes on.

The latest project from British entrepreneur Tom Chapman, ABASK is an inspirational platform that gathers the creations of over 200 talented makers from around the globe. Chapman, himself, is no stranger to conceptualizing innovative online offerings, having co-founded MatchesFashion in 2007.
Here, Chapman sits down with Magnifissance to discuss personal tastes, beautiful objects, and how to perfect the elusive art of gifting.

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Tom Chapman (right) pictured with ABASK co-founder Nicolas Pickaerts at the Villa Borsani in Milan.

How did you come up with the idea for ABASK?

The “lightbulb moment” came when my wife, Ruth, and I were restoring our home. It quickly became apparent that there wasn’t one single destination to discover precious, one-of-a-kind objects—or “the smalls,” as we call them—to furnish it. As someone who has always been passionate about discovering design and craft talent and supporting independent makers, I quickly realized that the concept of creating an incredible hub of originality and outstanding quality was untapped.

What makes ABASK different from other design-led platforms?

We’re a retailer, not a marketplace. Approximately two-thirds of our offer is one-of-a-kind and exclusive. We source and buy stock directly from our makers, and we’re passionate about everything we buy, from the maker to the story and the object’s quality.

At ABASK, every object has been touched by hand and every piece could be a future heirloom that brings joy in the present and holds value in the future.

How does ABASK play a role in preserving time-honoured craft techniques?

We’re passionate about the preservation of craft techniques. Sadly, so many of these are being generationally lost. For instance, during a visit to Murano-based glassmaker NasonMoretti, we were granted access to the company’s archive. Many items there couldn’t be reproduced, however, as the skills had been lost. We have since launched 20 archival reproductions dating from 1928 to 1980. We feel pride and responsibility in spotlighting the work of these makers so that existing and new generations of design lovers around the world are aware of their value.

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Clockwise from left: A selection of ABASK treasures, starting with a NasonMoretti hand-blown Murano glass tumbler; a leather photo frame by Oscar Maschera; silver-plated Objet Luxe cocktail stirrers; a leather, maple and walnut mahjong set by Giobagnara.

What are some of your favourite ABASK pieces?

I admire everything, and my wish list is constantly growing. Ruth and I have collected many wonderful ABASK objects, such as Kim Pan-ki’s celadon and wood-effect ceramics, and Pinto Paris’ green and gold mushroom plates. Their craftsmanship is just extraordinary.

Order the Magnifissance print edition to read the full story.

This story is from Magnifissance Issue 127

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