Product news: New Zealand design studio Timothy John has created a cork and steel stool inspired by the glass beakers used in science experiments.

Timothy John produced the stool exclusively for Thanks, an online fashion retailer based in New Zealand.

On top of its powder coated steel base is a hand-turned cork seat, which mimics the cork stoppers traditionally used with scientific equipment.

After a limited edition run of 24 black and white stools with cork tops, the Sidekick will go into general production with solid wood tops.

We've featured lots of cork on Dezeen, including a glass jar with a spherical cork stopper and a cork light fitting with a paper lampshade pinned to it.

We've also published glass vases and lamps inspired by a Victorian scientist’s laboratory experiments and a set of blown glass lamps that also resemble beakers and flasks.

See all our stories about cork »
See all our stories about stools »
See all our stories about furniture »

Here's some more information from Thanks:

Thanks is proud to release the Sidekick Stool, designed by Mt. Maunganui-based furniture designer Timothy John for the Thanks retail stores.

The Sidekick is visually light, unimposing and is easily incorporated into any space. It is inspired by the silhouette of a glass science beaker, resembling a 3D line drawing of its form.

As the contents of an old school beaker were contained with a cork stopper, so too the stool top is made of cork. Cork is a natural product that intrigues the senses. It is warm, smooth, velvety to touch and earthy to smell. It is also is impermeable, buoyant, non-allergenic and fire resistant.