Pepe Cortés, for Amat

PEPE CORTÉS (Barcelona, 1946–2024) for Amat.
Pair of “Jamaica” stools, designed in 1991. Produced in the 1990s.
Beech wood with a dark finish and a chrome-plated steel frame.
In very good original condition. Show very few signs of use.
Measurements: 42 x 42 x 42 cm (each).

The “Jamaica” stool is one of Pepe Cortés’s most iconic designs and a landmark of Spanish furniture from the 1990s. Originally conceived for the Big Ben nightclub in Lleida, the model stands out for its combination of functionality, ergonomics, and clean lines. Its swivel seat, with an organic profile, rests on five slender chrome-plated steel legs, whose radial arrangement provides stability and a sense of visual lightness. The model’s commercial success—recognized with the international Design Auswahl award in 1994—led to its continued production and international distribution.

Pepe Cortés was a leading figure in Spanish design and interior design. Trained at the Eina School in Barcelona, where he later taught, he was a co-founder of the Grupo Abierto de Diseño and developed iconic projects such as the Azulete and Tragaluz restaurants. He collaborated with Javier Mariscal on furniture designs, notably the “Trampolín” chair, which is housed at the Museu del Disseny in Barcelona. He received the Santiago Marco Medal in 2002 and the National Design Award in 2006 in recognition of his professional career.