| Glyn
Evans, Foster North, Victoria
Splayed Blackwood
dining table
3060 x 1095 x 750mm
Concept
The Arts and Crafts movement, founded
in 1868 by Charles L. Eastlake, was based
on the simplification of furniture design
after the excesses of the Victorian period.
His influences stemmed from Tudor, Modern
Gothic and Medieval periods, this is reflected
in the design evolution of his quality
utilitarian furniture. The Arts and Crafts
movement diverged into the simplistic
highly functional Shaker designs of the
post 1900s, and the more elaborate Art
Nouveau movement of 1890 to1920, two of
its most noted protagonists being the
architect and designer Charles McIntosh,
and the designer, craftsman and writer
William Morris. Both had a shared philosophy
including the importance of design to
both external architectural environments
and internal décor and furniture.
By 1920 the Bauhaus industrial design
movement’s doctrine to reject tradition
for modernism echoed an earlier desire
seen in the Art Nouveau movement for total
environmental design. The essence of these
disciplines, although seemingly diametrically
opposed are remarkably similar, given
their products reflect design as the most
important element. The main differences
being the Bauhaus use of modern materials
and mass production as apposed to the
Arts and Crafts emphasis on individual
craftsmanship.
The Bauhaus designs ultimately went on
to influence the industrial Scandinavian
design revolution of the 1930s. Based
largely around the mass production of
architecturally designed timber products,
these designs went on to inspire many
designers and architects of the post 1940s
era such as the architect and designer
Charles Eames.
The influences of the turn of the 20th
century can now be seen in the modernist
revival of the 21st century.
This design of the Splayed tables is a
synthesis of all of these influences.
Design
objective
Design a table that reflects and expands
the concepts of contemporary design. To
intrigue or disturb on first sight, raising
the assumption that the table is not capable
of utilitarian use. When in fact the table
is designed within the historical parameters
of utilitarian pre- industrial furniture
and is immensely practical, beautiful
and strong.
Materials
Blackwood was purchased from Forest Farm
Products Tasmania, who sourced the timber
from Forestry Tasmania. This timber is
salvaged from Forestry Tasmania coups.
It was cut and kiln dried in Tasmania
before transportation to Victoria.
Blackwood is used for the entire construction,
the only exception is the cross members
which are cypress. The top was cut from
one log. The timber was then machined
in our own workshop.
Joinery
Mortise and tenon joinery on the table
base.
The tabletop was bisect joined.
Cross members housing joints.
Glues
Selleys PVA woodworking glue, Aquadhere
exterior
Finish
Wattle Tung Oil varnish (six coats)
Photos: Glyn Evans
Copyright Glyn Evans
2007
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