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Twisted Chest

Most of British Oak grows with a spiral twist to the grain. Released by cleaving the timber individual sections reflect inner tree growth and bringing subtle character to each piece. Making is time consuming, but results are satisfying, intriguing and stable.
Twisted forms maybe contrary to the 90 degree norm of box design and furniture making plans, but matched together from one tree shapes can synchronize in a balanced aesthetic way.     

This Twisted Chest was Awarded Highly Commended in the 2017 Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design in Cheltenham.

Large Cleft Chest 2017. Marchmont House collection

Probably the largest cleft chest I will make using 5-board construction. The timber has unusual qualities of undulating form without the more common spiral growth. Sympathetically hinged and pegged using techniques that link older traditions with contemporary minimalism. No finish is applied...the wood has a raw simplicity, beauty and strength. 

Twisted box. Marchmont house collection

Cleft box hinge of different type.

'Five-board' constructions are joint-matched piece-to-piece by the technique know as scribing. With minimal interference to shape, surfaces are smoothed with spoke shave finishing and pegged together. No need of glue or metal fixings, these boxes and chests will last a lifetime and add a tactile and functional presence. I've engineered a creaky hinge to add friction and an element of surprise.

Held together with oak pegs, my boxes and chests retain the structural elements and craft finesse practiced over centuries. I still use only one tree for peg material, sourced 40 years ago and having exceptional wood grain. Able to withstand the weight of a club hammer, the pegs must also be able to move a small amount necessary for humidity adjustments.  

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