Anthony Dunne (b. 1964) and Fiona Raby (b. 1963)

corian, glass, compasses, steel, plastic, on L-shape legs

Troppotypes, Galleria Inter Nos, Milan, 2002

A striking piece of good overall appearance. There is a 15cm. crack to the top along one side which has been filled with white filler. Old marks and scratches consistent with use. Two of the needles are detached from their compass points.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Three 'Compass' tables were manufactured by Hidden, each in a different size: the low rectangular version which is the current lot, plus a square and a taller narrow version. They were following on from the very first compass table, a high version, which was part of the 'Placebo' collection, created in 2000/2001. The project examined situations and reactions created by electromagnetic fields. The compasses inset into the top of the current lot twitch and spin in response to electronic items (including mobile telephones and laptops) placed on the surface. Dunne and Raby are interested in the reception of the pieces and how their owners interact with and explain electronic technologies, such as invisible electromagnetic waves. They see design as a social commentary and coined the term 'critical design', which is aiming to stimulate debate. The prototype tables differ from later versions by their L-shape legs which were substituted for square ones.

In 2005 Anthony Dunne was appointed professor and head of the Design Interactions department at  at the Royal College of Art where Fiona Raby teaches part-time.