OVEN DIAL STOOLS is a series of three sculptural seats commissioned for the entrance and public realm of a new Aldi food store in Abingdon-on-Thames. The works form one part of a wider public art commission that also includes a separate series of stainless-steel cycle stands.

Although developed for the same site, the two groups of artworks use very different forms and materials and are presented as individual projects.

Oven Dial Stools

The stools are inspired by the familiar controls found on domestic ovens. Enlarged to the scale of public furniture, the circular dials become substantial sculptural objects that can also be used as seating.

Constructed from white granite and polished black granite with coloured HI-MACS inlays, the works use contrasting materials to recreate the simple markings, indicators and graphic details associated with oven controls.

The project reflects Tom Pearman’s wider interest in everyday switches, controls and interfaces — familiar objects that are normally overlooked but which contain their own distinctive visual language.

Related artwork

The stools were commissioned alongside a series of stainless-steel cycle stands based on familiar food forms. Although part of the same commission, the cycle stands have a deliberately different material and sculptural character and are presented as a separate project.

VIEW HAM AND EGGS CYCLE STANDS →

Community engagement

The commission was developed alongside a creative engagement programme with students from Abingdon & Witney College. Tom worked with participants to produce animated GIFs exploring domestic switches turning on and off, extending the project’s interest in everyday controls, movement and interaction. The animations were developed for display within the supermarket entrance lobby.

ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME →

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