Roy Howard, St Peters, NSW

Georgian House Jewellery Box
500 w x 300 d x 480 h

My interest in boxes in the shape of classical houses was initiated when I first saw the work of David Linley. When I retired from a career in advertising and publishing, I studied cabinetmaking with Bob Howard, which eventually led to the construction of cabinets and marquetry. Linley was one of the first modern craftsmen to use marquetry in an extensive way, which opened my eyes to the possibilities to which this technique can be applied. I also studied examples of classical marquetry from 18th and 19th century Italy, France, Holland and the United Kingdom.
My boxes usually take the form of Georgian or Regency houses, which open up to serve as jewellery boxes, games compendiums, humidors or stationery holders. The core construction is usually MDF, which is completely covered on the exterior with marquetry veneers. The roof is designed to lift up to reveal a partitioned tray, and the front and/or sides contain spring-loaded drawers. Where possible, I usually incorporate a secret compartment or two.
Like David Linley, I am interested in commissions which are built around a specific house or building, and which may be designed for the storage of unusual small items. Each house takes approx two months to build, and no two houses are ever alike.

Photos: David Heads