Kate Rowe, Mimosa table (TABLES, CHAIRS & DESKS 2023)

Photos:

James McArthur

Video tour:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvn_n7xvj6f/

A small dining or hobby table (1200mm L x 600mm W x 700mm H) in solid Silver Ash (Flindersia schottiana) from the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. Designed and crafted in a solar-powered tropical island workshop, with traditional hand tools - with the exception of a bandsaw which was used for initial dimensioning. A Japanese aesthetic informs the restrained feel of the table, which sits lightly and can be easily repositioned in a space. The top has an underside bevel to aid the appearance of lightness. Details include a pencil well with pivoting lid, legs rounded with a spokeshave, and end-rail ‘handles’ wrapped with natural-dyed waxed bamboo cord. The piece employs hand-cut mortise and tenons as well as inset rails secured with solid brass screws. Integral strength derives from these construction choices, combined with shallow-tenoning the legs into the table top. Wood changes, anticipated due to the climatic differences between the workshop and the table’s future home, are catered for with shop-made cleats with button ends which join the top to the aprons, and elliptical mortises for all screws. Seasonal wood movement of the table top may be observed if the rounded end of a rail protrudes beyond a leg edge, or retracts in the dado.

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