The Chair- To Be Finished
The chair has made it home and was placed in front of the fireplace. It is a grand vision, one that probably has been seen by many from the 1700’s to the 1900’s as necessity. Even in its unfinished state, the simplicity and elegance that is a Windsor chair exuded throughout the room despite its modern setting. I sat in the chair for the first time! I have yet to sand off the wedges, but it was a very comfortable chair.
My plan for the chair was to be as close to the time period as possible. I created my chair seat out of white pine, the spindles out of maple, and the continuous arm and spindles out of green white oak. All of these woods have different grains and colors, but a black milk paint finish will be executed in order to make the chair an exemplar of chairs created by woodworkers for over 250 years. An homage to the past, accomplished by a humble modern woodworker seeking to execute a timeless design.
The continuous Windsor arm chair was the top of my woodworking bucket list. A desire to accomplish what I consider a most worthy project for any woodworker. Now that I have come close to the end of the project, I have a sense of relief and a sense of accomplishment and somehow a deep connection to the organic form and design that the Windsor chair represents to woodworkers. The sore hands, feet, ankles and knees are a testament to the physical labor that must be used to create this project. It is honest hard work, craftsmanship and skills learned over hundreds of years that keep Windsor chairs being produced, even to this day. The creation of my chair is also owed to the dedication of those who teach the craft of making the Windsor chair. I am forever in debt to the generosity of those who are so very patient and instructive. I have yet again been fortunate to meet world class woodworkers and have them direct me on my overall woodworking path.
The journey of my first Windsor chair has almost come to a close. I have had a great deal of fun making the chair but somehow still feel the need to continue making more Windsor chairs. I believe the elegance of a comb back Windsor, or maybe even a Windsor writing chair is somehow bubbling to the top of my woodworking bucket list.
So for now, the chair sits in the living room. Almost done, but lacking some finishing touches. As soon as I have completed these final details, you will be able to see the chair on the home page, and in the gallery.
If you have followed me on my blog for the chair project, I am thankful for your time and interest. As soon as I have another project lined up, I will continue with more new blog entries. Please leave comments and do not be a stranger! Happy and safe woodworking!
The complete chair, less the final adjustments and finish-
