| Alan
Walker, Murrumbateman, NSW
Collectors/Jewellery
Cabinet
New Guinea rosewood
660 l x 225 w x 270mm h
Concept
I have considered making a piece of furniture
combining storage and display functions
for some time but I never got around to
actually doing it. This exhibition provided
the incentive. The idea itself came from
the items that I make, boxes and display
cases. The contents of jewellery boxes
and boxes for prestigious presentations
are hidden from view until they are opened.
Display cases on the other hand have everything
on view. This work provides both storage
and display space for jewellery, or for
a collection of small items. Favourite
items of jewellery or significant items
in a collection can be placed in the display
area and changed as desired. I felt that
this piece should be visually interesting,
not a modified chest of drawers. The design,
three visually strong horizontal elements
apparently cantilevered from the supports
at one end came from my previous life
as a civil engineer. I am fascinated by
buildings and structures that architecturally
and structurally challenge the conventional.
Materials
The main timber is New Guinea rosewood
that I purchased from one of the timber
merchants that I use. The detailing timber
is ancient redgum from a previous commission.
This timber is at least 5,000 years old.
Padded garment quality black suede covers
the base of the drawers and display areas.
Joinery
Hidden splined mitre joints and mortise
and tenon joints are used throughout.
These joints were selected to ensure the
structural integrity of the horizontal
elements as they are only supported at
three points. Some of the mitre joints
were hand planed and some were machine
cut. The mortise and tenon joints were
cut with the tablesaw and router. The
back piece in each horizontal element
is an MDF core veneered all around. This
form of construction removed the need
to accommodate expansion and further strengthens
each horizontal element. A floating panel
would not provide the same strength. I
make the drawer base panels by veneering
thin plywood. This removes the need to
accommodate movement and allows the base
to be used as a structural element of
the drawer. New Guinea rosewood and a
backing veneer were used for these drawers.
Glues
Techniglue CA a two part epoxy was used
throughout.
Finishes
A wax over shellac finish was used. I
make a very thin shellac from flake and
use a pad to apply multiple coats. I purchase
my shellac from Shines. The wax is Mirotone
Mirowax 738, a micro-crystalline wax.
Photos: Alan Walker
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