The car passes by Garden Road in high speed, but my sight stays with the stunning white house. Following Cotton Tree Drive, along Kennedy Road and up Kennedy Terrace, we finally arrive in ‘Manks’. Established over ten years ago in Soho (Central), Manks specialises in antique. It was only three years ago that they made this indie recording studio their head quarter. With a balcony overseeing the Central area, Paul (the owner) put in plenty of thoughts and effort into the designing of the space and making it a one-of-a-kind furniture shop.

With a shared love for Northern European aesthetic and lifestyle, Paul and his wife make regular visits. Apart from attending furniture fairs, they also go out to scout for antique objects and bring them back for restoration experts to resurrect. They admire Northern European furniture for their design culture, quality as well as conservation awareness. ‘The Northern European “Sustainable Forest” policy put restrictions on tree-cuttings. A table made with hundred-year-old timber is made with the top twenty percent high end materials. The rest is sent to other lower-ranking furniture factories.’ Therefore Northern European furniture has maintained its quality throughout the years and has a worldwide following (especially in Japan). Danish furniture label Carl Hansen & Søn invited Manks to be their only distributer in Hong Kong, introducing the design of late Hans J. Wegner.

The ‘Y-Chair’, a classic 1950s design with Chinoisie black lacquered beech wood and papercord seat, is a special highlight.

‘Manks Quarters’, as part of Manks, is branching out into real estate businesses. It is a sure thing that many Manks — like buildings, the hidden gems, will be finally found.

Text: Carmen Lee | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Anthony Chan
Update: 12 Jun 2009

MANKS
2 Kennedy Terrace, Mid Levels, Central, Hong Kong.
+852 2522 2115
www.manks.com