Nat Matthews, Tasmanian Blackwood Bar Stools (TABLES, CHAIRS & DESKS 2024)

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Nat Matthews

Predominately made from Tasmanian Blackwood "reclaimed Hydrowood", the seat backs for the four stools originate from one piece of figured Blackwood. Black leather seats compliment the warm timber. Design considerations were minimal straight lines without compromise of comfort and strength. From the rear of the seat pad to the front of the seat back lies an invisible anthropomorphic curve of the human back. This ensures they are very comfortable and provides excellent support. For additional ergonomic comfort, the seat features a compound curve, being convex across the width and bending down slightly at the front. After much experimentation I chose homemade ply with each layer bent on a compound form. Cushioning was added and then upholstered. Mortise and tenon joins were used for strength throughout (26 in total for each stool) - some cases being double mortise and tenon. The tenons from the stretchers were designed long enough to be embedded in the leg to avoid shearing at the curve between leg and stretcher.

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