Triskelion Chair

A Triskelion, also known as a triskele, is a symbol composed of three interlocked spirals or three bent human legs radiating from a common center. This ancient motif appears across various cultures—including Celtic and Greek—and is commonly associated with ideas of movement, progress, and cycles. It is also a traditional emblem of Sicily, featured on the region’s flag.

When I was appointed to design a restaurant in Somerset—an area with strong Celtic heritage—by clients who are Sicilian, I saw an opportunity to engage with the symbolism of the triskelion both culturally and formally. It became an intriguing design challenge: to interpret this ancient symbol in a contemporary context.

The result is two distinct pieces. The first is a table, named Atrium, where the triskelion features as a decorative motif on the tabletop. The second is a chair, Triskelion 01, which, true to its name, stands on three legs—a subtle yet deliberate nod to the form and spirit of the symbol which is engraved into the rear of the seatback.

A variation of the chair is the "Watch Your Back" model (displayed in the 3D model below), named to play with the word "watch" which in English means both "timepiece" and "look at".  In fact, this model incorporates a functioning watch into the rear of the seat back, instead of the Triskelion symbol. In a bar, in a restaurant, or at home, Multiple chairs can be grouped together to display different time zones—such as London, New York, Rome, and Sydney.

This variation was suggested by my wife, to whom this model is dedicated. 

 The metal frame is constructed from 16 mm steel rebars—commonly used in reinforced concrete—welded at each point of contact. The seat, seatback, feet, and the Triskelion symbol (the latter featured only in the original model) are made from translucent PETG, 3D printed with 80% infill.

The sliding stops (which with two steel dowels secure the seat to the frame), case, case dowels, case insert, and the disk (the last two components included only in the original model) are also 3D printed in PETG, with 40% infill. These elements may be printed in black or in colour to create visual accents.

The case features a recess that allows, in the "Watch your Back" model,  the watch box to be inserted in place of the case insert, replacing the disk with the watch dial. The dial and the needles are protected by a transparent resin cover.