Client
Private

Role
Lead Designer

Practice
Nick Hancock Design Studio

Sector
Special Projects
Components

Status
Constructed

Year
2010

Designed as a one-off commission for a professional musician, this bespoke music stand combines precision engineering with the elegance of finely crafted furniture.

The design began with a simple ambition: to create a music stand that was robust, portable, and visually refined; an object that could sit comfortably within both performance venues and domestic settings. Drawing inspiration from instrument-making and mechanical assemblies, every component was carefully developed to balance strength, functionality, and simplicity.

Fabricated in brushed stainless steel by specialist metalworkers CMF, the stand is composed of a series of precision-machined elements that can be completely dismantled without tools. The central support pole separates into sections for transport and can be shortened for seated performance, while the Perspex music screen provides a lightweight yet durable surface for sheet music.

A bespoke articulated joint allows the screen to be adjusted and locked into position, while three articulated feet provide stability across a variety of surfaces. Each foot incorporates rubber inlays to improve grip and protect delicate floors.

The stand folds into its own custom carrying case, transforming from a full-height performance stand into a compact travel object. Every connection, joint, and component was designed specifically for the project, resulting in a unique piece that celebrates both craftsmanship and practical use.

Part furniture, part instrument accessory, the music stand demonstrates how careful design and engineering can elevate an everyday object into something enduring, tactile, and highly personal.