Helen Burnip, Thorax Cabinet (STUDENT 2025)

Student:

Tertiary

Name of school or tertiary institution, name of woodworking teacher (if you have one), and name of photographer:

Waters & Acland Furniture School, Tim Smith, Will Acland

Country

United Kingdom (Great Britain)

Project Brief - Solid wood construction incorporating at least 1 ‘piston fit’ drawer. Created from solid Ash, this three-drawer chest is a sculptural interpretation of the human form, blending fine furniture-making with anatomical inspiration. The cabinet draws directly from human anatomy, particularly the chest and shoulder—areas that carry weight, protection and offer strength. The carcass is supported by a frame that mimics the ribcage in its protective and structural role, while the joints where the rails meet the legs are subtly reminiscent of the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. These rounded connections draw a parallel between the engineered joints in furniture and those in the human body, a nod to the body's capacity to adapt, flex, and respond to its environment—just as furniture must. The piece explores the connection between the human form and how we interact with furniture. Just as an arm supports, reaches, and holds, the form of the cabinet reflects these functions in its structure. The internal drawers are made from olive ash, chosen both for its beauty and symbolism—referencing the heartwood and hinting at the inner life of the chest itself. It’s a study in contrasts: stability and fluidity, utility and expression, human and object. This piece rethinks the relationship between the human body and the furniture it interacts with—bridging anatomy and craftsmanship. It challenges the purely functional view of domestic furniture by drawing on anatomical forms to create something both expressive and purposeful.

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