The skills and people involved.

The design and make process is fascinating, exciting and rewarding. Through inspirational ideas often influenced by designs from the past we have put together a small but growing collection of tables. Designs from centuries past have been both copied and brought up to date to blend with the most modern interiors. Our ongoing process of design and development continues with more designs currently on the drawing board and at the prototype stage; we hope to bring them to fruition and show them to you soon.

A great amount of effort that goes into the detailing of each piece; component dimensions, shape and proportioning are key. Once the design is confirmed on paper we take the same amount of care when moving through to the manufacturing ptocess.

Our tables could not have been created without the superb skills of the craftspeople involved. Each component is created by a specialist in that particular craft ie. wood turning, carving, engineering, wood machining, metal casting and polishing, glass making, veneering and wood finishing.

The tables that we produce lend themselves to a ‘cottage industry’ type of approach to production; only specialists who understand and appreciate exactly what has to go into each component to make it ‘just right’ are involved.

When these components are brought together by someone who understands the whole, then ‘magic happens’ and we create a beautiful and functional table that has the aura of understanding , passion and feeling that went into it. That’s why our tables are different.

The Materials we use

Our intention from the outset is to create a product that is designed and made correctly. What does that mean exactly? It means choosing the most appropriate materials and construction methods for the function of the table – following the old 'form follows function' mantra. It also means not compromising on materials or construction methods on grounds of cost, convenience or ease of production.

So, with the function in mind, it’s time to select the timbers, metals, veneers and finishes. There are quite a few options available but they must be combined correctly to achieve the desirable result. As an example we can take a look at the Burr Walnut occasional table:

  1. Legs – cast aluminium to the same shape as the Georgian original. They are heavier which gives increased stability and then polished to give a high shine.
  2. Column – what type of timber will compliment the legs? English walnut with a high gloss finish, a beautiful wood which was common place in the early eighteenth century but which is now rare.
  3. Top – with metal legs, a plain wooden top would not work aesthetically or practically as it would be too light. A machined and polished aluminium top is ideal – but it must not be too heavy, hence the weight reducing holes seen from the underside.
  4. Top insert – this should match the column to balance the design. In this case Burr Walnut, used in the finest of vehicles and yachts to contrast but compliment the aluminium perfectly.
  5. Finish – It has to be hard wearing but also of a high gloss to bring out the beauty of the timber and match the shine on the aluminium – just as a Jaguar dash board.

So this is how we work the materials. Either we begin at the top and work down to the base or vice-versa. With each differing material the same process is followed and the same questions asked.

Methods of construction

How the legs attach to the column is crucial to the long term strength and stability of the table. We use a ‘slotted tapered dovetail’, the same joint that was used in the eighteenth century and the one which has stood the test of time. It’s not the easiest or cheapest method but it is the correct and most appropriate method.

The occasional table tops are detachable so that if necessary they can very easily be swapped. This also allows for a very thin top (wood or metal), to be used. In the case of a wooden top it gives us the opportunity to allow for timber movement.

When deciding on a solution to a construction issue it simply has to be the very best and most appropriate and not the easiest.