Tony Ward, Glenbrook, NSW

Bombe (pronounced “Bombay”)
Australian red cedar (Toona australis)
2300 x 1750 x 1650mm h

Materials
The red cedar was sourced from a fallen tree limb in the Dorrigo area of New South Wales.

Method of Construction
The work is a bandsawn/sculpted box.
Following the design, research work commenced by drawing an outline of the shape across the length of the block.
A number of sections were bandsawn from the block, which later became the top and base of the work. A back section was then cut to facilitate the bandsawing of the drawers. The back section was then glued in place and a drawing of the bellied shaping across the height of the work was made and bandsawn.
The next step was the drawing and bandsawing of the bellied shaping across the length of the work.
The final assembly was the shaping and attachment of the top and base sections.
The sides and drawer faces were then handcarved. The drawers were then bandsawn and completed. The brass drawer handles were then attached.
The entire work was hand sanded, commencing with an 80 grit paper, through the various grades to 800 grit paper, followed by the use of ultra fine sanding sponge 800 ~ 1000 grade. Then 1500 wet-n-dry paper was used.

Glues
A generic white PVA glue was used to attach all connecting surfaces.

Finish
On completion of the rough sanding, at the 350 grit paper stage, the work was bathe in a bucket of pure Tung Oil, aka China Wood Oil, together with pure orange oil.
The work was then set aside for approximately two months to allow the oils to harden and bond with the timber. After this time the fine finishing, e.g. sanding with the various grades from 800 grit to1500 was completed.
At the end of that task Ubeaut’s EEE - Ultra Shine a cut and polish paste wax containing Tripoli powder was used to compliment the fine red cedar.

Concept
Inspiration source: The origin of traditional bombe chests can be traced back to the French Regency period around the early 18th century. After the demise of Louis XIV, a connoisseur of strict classical forms of furniture, furniture-makers started experimenting with newer, more casual styles of furniture making. As a result, furniture shapes became more bowed and round. The signature form of this period was the bombe commode, a stylish chest with a belly-outward curve.
Box Features: The top drawer has two hidden compartments, one an open compartment at the back of the drawer only apparent when the drawer is fully opened. The second compartment is a secret drawer the length of the drawer, retained in place by the use of magnets. The lower drawer has a sliding storage tray.

Photos: Tony Ward