Marcus King, Malmsbury, Victoria

Japanese Garden Bench
1370 x 450 x 800mm

Materials
The Japanese Garden Bench is made from a French oak wine barrel. This was used to give the unique shape to this piece. The hardwood is mountain ash O.B. The redgum and hardwood is from a Federal Court in Melbourne where I worked renovating the building in the early 80s.

Joinery
Mortised, and halving joints, both hand and machine, dowels, screws and coach bolts.

Glues
Selleys external glue.

Finishes
Cabots Stain and Finishes.

Concept
The wine barrel was made available by Mr Gordon Knight of Granite Hills Winery in Baynton Victoria. Gordon is considered the ‘Father of cold climate wine production’ in Victoria.
Gordon was keen to have a unique item made from a wine barrel for use by patrons of his winery. He contacted me to use my artistic abilities to try and design something that was a little different.
I believe, and Gordon agrees, that I have achieved what he expected.
I was taught that in designing an item such as this that ‘It should look like it was always there’.

Photos: Marcus King