“I imagined them having the joy of a sweaty disco but the sensuality and darkness of a techno rave” – introduce ‘PLAY PIECES’ – a collection of sex furniture pieces by Domhnall Nolan, commissioned by London’s newest queer kink night, Joyride.
The collection consists of multiple seating modules, a long spanking bench and a cage wall which arouse as much as they intrigue in their minimalist refinement and whimsical versatility. A self-described “subtle maximalist”, Nolan drew inspiration from vintage gym equipment and the sexual culture of the 1970’s, imbuing the series with his signature “chic sensuality” with an aim in to recalibrate “our collective ideas of kink furniture and create something that that marries the worlds of design, sex and aesthetics”.
Commissioned by London’s newest queer kink night, Joyride, the collection consists of multiple seating modules, a long spanking bench and a cage wall with multiple attachments. Inspired by both vintage gym equipment and the sexual culture of the 1970’s, the pieces all evoke a sense of fun and utilitarianism. Intended to intrigue and arouse. They create an uninhibited queer fantasy land that people can lose themselves in.
“I wanted to create pieces to make people feel sexual and to react to that in their own way. They’re non-prescriptive pieces that you can use whatever way you desire.” says Irish-born London designer Domhnall Nolan.
“Part of the approach was to rethink our collective ideas of kink furniture and create something that marries the worlds of design, sex and aesthetics.” PLAY PIECES add a sense of refinement to the reputation of the traditional ‘darkroom’ in sex and kink clubs.
PLAY PIECE_01 is a folding bed, chair, loveseat, saddle, among other things and is inspired by a Japanese futon. The metal folding leg frame is used to elevate the seat when required, hooking on with swivel hooks & chains. They can be combined, put back to back or stacked. Which gives endless mounting position possibilities for the users.
PLAY PIECE_02 is an adjustable spanking bench inspired by traditional ‘Conversation Piece’ furniture. Aesthetically it has the harness of a guillotine juxtaposed with the domesticity of a dining room table.
The metalwork is honest and robust, with obvious fixing points, handles and connections. This is complimented with the stealthy cognac leatherette upholstery. All of which was handmade in London.
PLAY PIECES will be in use at Joyride, launching in February 2023 in London.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER:
Domhnall Nolan is an Irish-born London based designer specialising in interior & furniture design.
Domhnall’s experience ranges from private residences, experiential retail installations to their current role as in-house Senior interior designer at Soho House – having work on projects in the UK, Europe & Japan. He describes his work as having a chic sensuality – whether designing a singular piece of furniture or a whole interior. Domhnall’s background in metalworking and furniture design adds a sharp sense of utilitarianism to his work.
As well as commercial projects, Domhnall’s practice has focused on queerness in the design industry – from his recent MA thesis work at the Royal College of Art to the designing of queer nightlife spaces in London.
“I’d like to think I’m a subtle maximalist. If that makes any sense”.
Designer: Domhnall Nolan @domhnallnolan
Photography: Ollie Tomlinson @olliegtomlinson
Model: Sam Purnell @samisraar/ Domhnall Nolan @domhnallnolan
Metalwork: Daniel Higgins
Jockstrap: Ruxwood @ruxwood
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