Design: Springbuck Contemporary Rocking Horse Update

Justin Plunkett [South Africa]

[Image credit: Springbuck – Justin Plunkett]

Growing up we had a deep red rocking horse that for a while was quite overworked…poor thing…if it was not piled high with children then it would be hitched to prams, pushchairs and other sorted toys with wheels to form the head of a train (that inevitably did not move) carrying dolls, teddy bears and the occasional small dog that happened to get in the way…talk about hours of endless fun and runaway imaginations. Bringing back the memories was the Springbuck a contemporary update of the rocking horse.  

Springbuck was created by Justin Plunkett a Creative Director at a South African marketing and creative design studio, Joom. Based on the Springbok, a South African icon and the Springbuck was produced in a limited edition run in 2006/7; granted a while ago but it still looks fresh a testament to the timelessness of the design, a contemporary design that was intended to blend into ‘adult’ living spaces as this where many a child’s toy ends up. The Springbuck was part of an ongoing collaboration with fellow South African, furniture designer John Vogel.

[Image credit: top, Loves Me Loves, Me Not Table; 
bottom, Kudu Animirror – Justin Plunkett]

Other innovative products produced include the beautifully inspired Loves Me, Loves Me Knot table which is made up of eight individual petals that come together to form a flower; and the fun and quirky Animirrors which are based on the silhouettes of various local species of antelope such as Kudu, Impala, and Nyala; and also a Bunny Rabbit. Animirrors were made in a range of colours including berry and chocolate, or if preferred natural wood.

…products to inspire and fuel the imagination

Additional details:
For further information about Justin Plunkett visit: www.justinplunkett.com
For further information about Vogel visit: www.vogeldesign.co.za