” When I design a piece of furniture I always consider right away the space it will be placed in. Even a first sketch is never an isolated idea but always part of a complete vision “. This statement by Peter Maly summarizes his approach to design.
Today Peter Maly is considered the icon of European design- but his origins are humble. His family lives in North Bohemia, part of the Czech Republic, and after World War II moves to the rural area of Hessen, North Germany. Life is simple but joyful. It is there that young Peter discovers his two life passions: nature and drawing. A teacher who notices that Peter is almost constantly drawing, sketching, and drafting recognizes his gift and suggests to him to turn his talent into a profession. Peter chooses a woodworking and carpentry apprenticeship, and subsequently applies at the University of Detmold for Interior Design. He finishes his studies at 24 and applies for a position at the magazine “Schoener Wohnen” (Beautiful Living). This is not only the first magazine that focuses solely on interior decorating in post World War II Germany but also becomes the leading think tank for European design and aesthetics. The young, shy duckling from the countryside turns into the confident designer Peter Maly. Peter is appointed Art Director at “Schoener Wohnen”. For most anyone that would be the peak of a career but Peter quits his job in 1971 and focuses on his “calling”. No better words than his can describe what he feels:
“Stripping of excess, simplifying, letting something speak for itself- without an attitude- this Japanese philosophy has guided my entire creative life”. Peter Maly.
Thus Peter Maly brings together Japanese simplicity with German love for clarity and effectiveness. In the early eighties Peter’s work on the seating arrangements and chairs named “Zyklus” puts him on the stage of the world’s leading designers. A little later he creates the “Maly-Bed” for Ligne Roset. Even after 25 years it is the most sold bed in its category and a one of the most important contributions to modern design. There are dozens of designs that follow and become classics.
Peter’s work expands as he creates design for prestigious companies like Thonet, Interluebke, Cor, Behr, Conmoto and others. His love for the geometric simplicity denotes his work. However, he is not a decorateur - in his own homes he always needs to find the right spot for each piece that he invites into his personal life. To move furniture or reorganize is not part of his thinking and aesthetic feeling. When he wants to change his environment, Peter moves to a new home. And he has done that quite often.
It was not until the mid-nineties that Peter Maly and Sauter Piano Company meet. Hans Sauter - leader and fifth generation owner of the factory- had dared to bring out designer uprights in the early sixties that found a warm welcome in Central Europe. We wanted to build on this tradition of going new paths. While the previous designs were “home-made” this time we looked outside. One of the executive managers had seen designs by Peter Maly and had been deeply impressed. It was decided to invite Peter Maly over. On the phone- he carefully listened to the ideas that we presented him. His answer was brief:” Yes - I know your company well. But I am very busy now. I will contact you in a little while”. We thought that this was his polite way of saying thanks, but no thanks. About six months later Peter called and said that he had his first idea and wanted to come by and talk it over.
Today Peter Maly is retired. He continues to work for only two companies commercially. And we are glad to be one of them.
Notes:
Photo 1. Peter Maly, Photo 2. Maly Bed (Lignet Roset), Photo 3. Axis Sofa (House of European Design), Photo 4. Zyklus Seat (Cor), Photo 5. Rondo (Sauter Piano Company)
For a full review of Peter Maly Design Pianos please visit: http://www.sauter-pianos.de/english/instruments.html
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