VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM IN LONDON. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
British furniture designer and manufacturer, Morgan, has partnered with award-winning design studio SmithMatthias for its first collaborative collection together, Bruton – an adaptable, modular furniture system made entirely without foam and using 100% natural materials.
Bruton redefines modular furniture by achieving a balance of functionality and softness. Unlike purely efficient modular designs that result in anonymous systems of straight lines and butting surfaces, Bruton offers versatility and a sculptural elegance. The collection name ‘Bruton’ pays homage to Somerset’s creative heart, with the elegant organic shaping of the legs evoking the softness and curved form of wildflower petals.
“We wanted to create a collection that challenges the conventions of modular seating. Our focus was to develop a system that is both structured and inviting, without relying on standard contract specification foams. The commitment to natural materials presented a huge challenge, but it also informed the design in exciting ways,” comments Erin Johnson, Design Director at Morgan.
In a first for Morgan, Bruton is entirely free from petroleum-based foam, setting a new standard for sustainable seating. Instead, the collection incorporates an innovative combination of layered natural materials, including wool, coconut fibres, latex, duck feather and pocket springs to provide enduring comfort while reducing environmental impact.
Produced with Morgan’s sustainable manufacturing practices at its Hampshire factory, which is powered by 86% renewable energy, including 50% by solar panels, the collection aligns with the brand’s commitment to responsible craftsmanship.
“With Bruton, we’ve pushed traditional upholstery materials, such as springs and wool, to their limits, redefining their use in a contemporary way. This innovative approach brings us full circle, using heritage techniques to drive modern design,”comments Gemma Matthias, Co-Founder of SmithMatthias.
Designed in collaboration with SmithMatthias, a studio known for its refined, sustainable approach, Bruton reflects a shared commitment to quality craftsmanship and material integrity. Founded by Jack Smith and Gemma Matthias, the duo takes inspiration from nature and traditional materials, designing for longevity rather than trends.
Morgan’s long-standing expertise in both upholstery, furniture making and woodworking has been instrumental in bringing Bruton to life. By housing design and manufacturing under one roof, the team has been able to experiment, prototype, and refine the collection efficiently, ensuring every element—from the upholstery detailing to the sculptural timber legs—is thoughtfully considered.
“The ability to work directly with the design and production teams at Morgan has been invaluable,” comments Jack Smith, Co-Founder of SmithMatthias. “Their openness to exploring new materials and techniques has allowed us to push the boundaries of sustainable furniture design. Through this collaborative way of working, we’ve been able to maintain the integrity of using 100% natural materials without compromise.”
The sofa’s design strikes a balance between light and luxurious, tailored yet comfortable—a domestic feel without being too homely. Horizontal lines across the base, arms, and back create a visual rhythm that enhances the sense of generosity and comfort. Meanwhile, the soft tailoring of the upholstery ensures a balance between structure and relaxation.
Bruton is designed to adapt seamlessly to a variety of settings, from workplace, healthcare and hospitality environments to cruise. Its modular nature allows for flexible configurations, while the use of sustainable materials ensures durability without compromising aesthetics.
With an emphasis on longevity and timeless appeal, the collection is available in a range of timber finishes and sustainable upholstery options, including fabrics made from 100% post-consumer waste or pure wool.
About Morgan:
Established in 1992, Morgan is a family-founded British business, dedicated to the design and manufacturing of high-end, contemporary furniture for design-conscious contract clients around the world.
Considered design begins with a lean manufacturing process; knowing the provenance of the trees and the wood we craft with, housing our design studios and manufacturing spaces under the same roof at our Hampshire factory and establishing production processes that encourage a conscious cycle of reducing, re-using and recycling all of our materials.
This framework of care allows us to create original, investment pieces with a conscience, producing collections that stand the test of trends and time, without contributing to landfill.
About SmithMatthias:
SmithMatthias is an award winning design studio founded by Jack Smith and Gemma Matthias. The multi-disciplinary studio applies a rigour and thoughtfulness to create soulful and impactful work. The studio is based in a former hat factory in Liverpool’s Fabric District.
Driven by the challenge to leave a positive footprint, SmithMatthias’ philosophy takes an exploratory and reductive approach to product design by stripping a concept down to its barest essentials whilst considering all aspects of form and function and introducing richness through material and craft. Their creative partnership thrives on problem solving to reimagine products with intelligence, innovation and attention to detail.
MORE FURNITURE STORIES HERE.
LATEST NEWS
New interviews and introductions are published weekly, each offering insight and advice into the design & art industries, talking from their unique experiences. We chat with emerging and established interior designers, brand founders and artists.
Immerse yourself into the inspiring brand stories from next generation brands and creatives, along with recommended events and reviews to spark new creative ideas.
Sign up to our newsletters and we’ll keep you in the loop with everything good and important going on in the worlds of design, art and independent retail.
By subscribing you agree to receive updates from ESTILA. We will not share your data with any third parties. Read our full privacy policy here.
