The first thing you notice about handcrafted Windsor chairs is how light and seemingly delicate they appear in the flesh. To witness someone sit in one for the first time can be a heart stopping experience as you see the back as a whole flex to the sitter’s shape and weight. These elements of lightness and flexibility however are a testament to the incredible strength and durability given to the chair by a building process that utilises the said same qualities that allow a tree to stand for centuries.
Unlike almost all wooden furniture that starts with a visit to the timber yard, Windsor chairs begin much closer to the primary source; the tree, or more specifically, one recently fallen and in log form. In all of the components of a Windsor chair you will find the grain running truly from one end to the other. For me there is no other type of chair where the parts are all working together in isolation to make an incredibly strong whole.
When I make a chair and pass it on to a client I gain a sense of sending something useful deep into the future. I have great faith in the skills handed down to me by over 300 years of countless craftsmen, who’s individual work can still be seen and still sat on.
All timbers are carefully selected for both strength and beauty. Apart from the turnings, and the kiln or air dried seat, all components are worked green straight from the log and are hand shaped always following the grain of the timber allowing delicate looking spindles and crest rails which are flexible and retain the strength of the tree.
A part of my contemporary 'windsor modern' range, these sturdy yet light, three legged stools with their distinctive asymmetric 'leaf' shaped seats can be built to any height and in a number of timber species in consultation with the client.
The stool pictured is in Blackwood, enhanced and strengthened with copper bracing.
$1040 including gst
Based on the historic Welsh Stick chair this dining/armchair has a one piece steambent arm rail and as with the seat and spindles it is carved and shaped by hand. Part of the ‘windsor modern’ brand this chair evokes both the simplicity of it’s Welsh origins and the sophistication of mid-century modern.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chairs pictured are of one in Elm with American White Ash and the other in Victorian Blackwood.
$2,120 including gst
Photos by Christopher Sanders and Tess Kelly, styling by Tamara Maynes
I have taken commissions from as far away as New York City so not every client is able to visit me in the workshop. For those closer to home, however, once a commission is undertaken it can be a good way to not only nail down design details but also gain an insight into how I work. Long distance clients need not miss out though. Anyone can follow the making of their commission via my Instagram account.
Contemporary interpretation of the traditional Nabowla Pattern Utility Chair designed by Harry Hearn of the Peddle Chair Company in Tasmania in the 19th and early 20th century. Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chair pictured is in Victorian Blackwood.
$2,160 including gst
Based on the late Rodback style American windsors the entire upper section of this settee is steam bent for comfort and beauty. Can be built to any length to suit.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chair pictured is Tasmanian Blackwood from the one tree with figured English Ash spindles. Seat is one piece.
Please contact us for pricing.
This traditional yet versatile Shaker design can be made to any length and from a large range of hardwood species. It can be used as a dining bench or as occasional seating.
The bench pictured has a one piece Elm seat, American Ash legs and spindles and a crest in quartersawn Belgian Oak. Timber species and finish as per consultation with client.
$4,410 including gst for 2 seater
$5,355 including gst for a 3 seater
$6,300 including gst for a 4 seater
2 seater pictured.
No. 14 Chair
Inspired by the simple shapes and lines of mid-century modern this generously proportioned dining chair offers incredible comfort as well as the durability expected of a handcrafted windsor chair. Elegantly spare, this chair can suit any dining room.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chairs pictured are in American White Ash.
$2,160 including gst
Winner of the Highly Commended Award in the 2017 Clarence Prize for Excellence in Furniture Design
Part of my contemporary range of furniture under the ‘windsor modern’ brand I have designed these lowbow dining chairs with smaller dwellings in mind. Whilst they would be perfectly at home in a larger area they come into their own in the confined spaces of apartment living. They are light, versatile and comfortable.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chair pictured is in American Black Walnut.
Also available as a rocker.
$2,160 including gst
Photos by Lillie Thompson. Last photo by Tess Kelly, styling by Tamara Maynes
Part of my contemporary range of furniture under the ‘windsor modern’ brand I have designed these lowbow rockers for those who like to keep their hands busy whilst relaxing. Whether playing guitar or crafting, these rockers provide incredible comfort and support. The lowbow rocker has a small footprint so are perfect for a home where space is at a premium.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client.
Chairs pictured are in Tasmanian Blackwood
Also available as a dining chair.
$2,250 including gst
Photos by Christopher Sanders and Lillie Thompson
Shaker-inspired Chest of Drawers. Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chest pictured is in Maple with drawer internal’s in Huon Pine.
Please contact us for pricing.
One of the earliest windsor chair forms modelled after rustic Welsh and Irish chairs.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chair pictured has a Blackwood seat, arm rail and crest whilst the spindles and legs are of English Ash.
Also available as a rocker.
$2,330 including gst for armchair
$2,480 including gst for rocker
One of the oldest and most attractive of the traditional North American style windsors, as sat in by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, et al. This armchair has a double steambent back for comfort and strength and can be used as a dining chair or for occasional seating.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client.
Also available as a rocker.
$2,480 including gst for armchair
$2,700 including gst for rocker
Generously proportioned bedside table with eye catching rouleaux triangle shaped shelf with integral brass accents.
$1,140 including gst
A contemporary take on the traditional Shaker Meeting Bench. Can be built to any length and a number of timber species in consultation with the client.
$4,410 including gst for 2 seater
$5,355 including gst for 3 seater
$6,300 including gst for 4 seater
4 seater pictured.
Winner of the 2018 George Ingham Fine Chair Making Award.
This is my own interpretation of the traditional Continuous Armchair.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chair pictured is in oak with an oil/wax finish.
$2,510 including gst
Contemporary Australian settee in Victorian Blackwood with American Ash spindles.
Please contact us for pricing
Shaker-inspired Hall Table. Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Table pictured is in Walnut and Rock Maple with Huan Pine drawer case.
Please contact us for pricing
The distinctive crest is steambent and hand shaped, including volutes carved into the ears. A beautiful traditional design.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chair pictured Black Walnut seat with painted English Ash.
$2,360 including gst
Quartersawn Oak cabinet with hand carved door panels in the style of 17th century England and New England. The ‘panel and frame’ outer carcass is of European Oak. All mouldings are cut in by hand using a workshop made scratch stock. For structural integrity that is proven to last centuries all joins have been drawer-bored, meaning an Oak peg has been driven through the intersection of each joint. The drawer pulls and door knobs are turned and hand carved Queensland Walnut.
The internal carcass is a dovetailed Huon Pine box with two drawers faced with New Zealand Ancient Bog Kauri of which the internal ship-lapped back is also made.
Please contact us for pricing.
An iconic design originating in 18th century New York, this refined chair includes the eponymous crest rail which is one length of hand shaped wood steambent to form the three curves.
Timber species and finish as per consultation with client. Chair pictured painted Pin Oak with Melbourne street Elm seat.
Also available as an armchair.
$2,700 including gst for rocker
$2,480 including gst for armchair
