Francis Gomes, 'Reindeer' Hostess stand (Furniture)

This hostess stand was commissioned by an existing client as efforts to better manage/control flow of customers at his cafe with Covid-19 restrictions governing all social aspects of retail for the foreseeable future. The client's brief included a stand much like a lectern than podium, with a hostess rest for ledgers/POS, etc and a possible platform for sanitizer station, EFTPOS and miscellaneous signage. The objective is similar to a traditional hostess station, except it is an active strategy to bottle neck and divert dine-in and takeaways and ensure a steady flow whilst occupying a small footprint. The design and build follows an approach similar to high stools whilst incorporating a ledge and a high top in the front. The frame is in Victorian ash and tops in jarrah; choice of timber here follows an existing scheme that resonates through the cafe i.e timber benches, bartops, shelves previously commissioned by the client. Standing at 1300 x 750 x 400mm; no splay/ rake angle at 7°, ledge at just over 1000 mm and customer facing top at just under 900mm. The build is a simple ladder frame with rails using mortise and tenon. Front legs are drawbored mortise and tenon, with main elbow joint to back legs using a pinned bridle joint. Jarrah tops are sandwiched between the frame using loose tenons. Stretcher is cross lapped/notched and wedged locked. Aesthetically, the styling is utilitarian with soft tapered round ends leaving an impression of familiarity and robustness. The top ends of the rear legs have fish hooks cut out to allow hanging signage, miscellaneous items from both the front and the back. This piece is named 'The Reindeer' on the account of its stance. Project was completed and delivered July 2020

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