Rolf Barfoed, Flow (TABLES, CHAIRS, DESKS 2022)

Photos:

Andrew Sikorski

Name: Flow Materials: Queensland narrow leaf wattle, Queensland silver ash Size: 1756w x 456d x 850h (mm) Designer: Rolf Barfoed Craftsman: Samuel Ryrie Year: 2022 Photographer: Andrew Sikorski Flow (hall table) was commissioned by a collector of Australian fine woodwork. Key to the brief was the use of three superb boards of fiddleback Queensland narrow leaf wattle, supplied by the client, and an inheritance from a local woodworker. Our shared connection to place (Canberra) and our local architecture influenced the design. In particular, the frame rails were inspired by the prominent and recognisable shapes of the Parliament House flag mast. We wanted to highlight the precious timber as much as possible. The narrow leaf wattle tabletop, made by laminating the three special boards, is the star of the show. The contrasting frame, made in Queensland silver ash, has its legs extend to the surface of the tabletop. This gives the impression of claws clasping the tabletop, referencing a jewel set in a ring. The tabletop is mounted to the frame with slotted brass screws in oversize holes to allow for timber movement. A small gap between the corners of the tabletop and the inner face of the legs breaks the two materials. The legs are connected to four curve-laminated stretcher rails via hand-cut mortise tenon joints. The four stretcher rails form two ladder-like assemblies, each joined with five short rails and featuring through-mortise tenons. With restraint we chose not to use wedges in the through-tenons, subtly showing the careful craftsmanship in the silver ash end grain of the tenons. All surfaces were finely sanded to 400grit and finished with Livos Kunos oil, applied and buffed immediately for a burnished finish.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.