Hamish Tanner, Davenport Desk (Student Awards 2019)

• Title: Davenport; • Completed: September, 2019; • Materials: Huon pine, King William pine, Australian red cedar, leather; • Dimensions: 860 mm (h) x 650 mm (w) x 630 mm (d) Concept/brief: My entry is based on a Victorian style Davenport (or writing desk). These were popular among ladies and, because of their stability and dimensions, were often used by ship’s captains. I chose the Davenport for my year 12 HSC project because I have an interest in writing desks and to pay homage to my great grandfather who was a traditional boat-builder in Tasmania. The design draws heavily from a range of Davenports I accessed online and through books on antique furniture designs. Very few display the main features of my design in combination, the hand-carved front pedestals and the rear turned pedestals. To achieve these elements, I taught myself to carve and turn. The feet and knobs are also turned. The Davenport features four drawers and a cupboard in the base, as well as seven internal drawers in the upper desk section. The drawers feature Huon pine fronts, with King William sides and bases. The drawers are dovetailed front and back. The door features a birdseye Huon pine veneer panel over a solid Huon pine substrate. I chose to use veneer as it had more figure than the substrate. The desk also features a sloping lid with a leather inlay. Year 12, Kiama High School. Teacher: Adam Cupitt

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