COMMISSIONS
I am always pleased to discuss ways in which materials have a special significance for you can be built in to something both useful and beautiful.
EXAMPLE ONE
A windy night in 2012 brought down a 200 year old Walnut tree in a couple’s garden on the outskirts of Malmesbury. At first they were devastated as this tree had become part of the family, a favourite with their children for climbing up and sheltering below its majestic canopy. They soon realised that they could give this tree a new lease of life by having it made into furniture.
The tree yielded sufficient timber for the two main pieces shown here plus a number of smaller items which have been given to their, now grown-up children. So the tree lives on!
Traditional pegged ends to table
This magnificent Refectory Table is 7ft long and can seat ten. Clever use of the lighter sapwood has made an interesting feature of the inset to while optimising the use of the available wood. The trestle has traditional pegged ends. The Armoire has a secret drawer in which the history of the tree and its conversion are detailed. Further use has been made of the light/dark contrast which occurs naturally within Walnut.
EXAMPLE TWO
Following a house extension which resulted in a much larger bedroom, the Client wanted wooden chaise longue to fit a corner position under a window. The Celtic Knot inlay respects her husband’s heritage.
It was made to match other furniture in the room and this was partly brought about by incorporating Wenge and Purpleheart within the laminations. It is 165cm long and made from solid Oak. The slatted seat is laminated to give some ‘spring’ for comfort.
An example of the computer generated 3D depiction of the Chaise which was approved before making was started.
ADVICE
General. Your new furniture is mainly constructed from solid hardwood. This is a natural material and as such its colour and texture may vary from piece to piece even within the same species. It will also ‘move’ slightly depending on temperature and humidity of the room in which it is placed. This can give rise to small cracks particularly it long joints between boards. This should not be regarded as a defect and such changes will usually change back when ambient conditions revert to normal.
​
Finishes. Most of the furniture I make is finished with four or five coats of air-drying oil which is smoothed and polished between each coat. It is finally wax polished to a silky sheen. This surface is fairly durable and optimises the natural beauty of the wood. Any liquid spills should be wiped away as soon as possible and you should avoid putting anything hot on the surface. If the surface is damaged it can be easily restored with wax polish.
​
Tables. Especially Dining Tables are sealed with a 2-part lacquer before the subsequent oil finish detailed above. This gives a more durable surface but does tend to mask some of the texture of the wood. However, the lacquer does limit penetration of liquid into the wood itself making the table more user-friendly.
​
Care.
-
Lightly polish all visible surfaces with a wax polish, either solid from a tin or an aerosol. Do this weekly for the first two weeks and then whenever the wood looks dry.
-
Mop up any liquid spills as soon as you can.
-
Keep your furniture away from radiators or large windows which could lead to abnormal temperature changes.
-
Wood will change colour over time and mainly by exposure to light. If you leave a solid object on a surface in bright sunlight it will leave a patch so try to move things about regularly.
Showroom at Malmesbury is open for viewing by appointment only.
simply call: 01666 822 664 or email: graham@grahamikin.co.uk