Steambending Furniture

My particular passion lies in the age old art of steam bending. I feel it gives my work a unique, organic, flowing quality. I am self taught in this process, and have experimented, developed and perfected it, enabling me to steam bend whole planks of wood. Over 25 years, I've mastered the intricate skill of joining curved planks together.

I find it fascinating, and am able to incorporate it into my designs.

The steam bending process starts with selecting the tree in situ, then carefully selecting the best boards to steam bend.

Once it's been planked and has dried for a few months, for optimal moisture content, it's ready to be steamed using a berko boiler and a wooden box. The plank is left in there for half an hour, and then bent round a wooden former. It's placed in a jig to dry for several months, to retain its curve. When it's released from the jig it will continue to hold the shape, and not try to spring back.

While modern technology often overlooks nature, working with curved wood makes machinery unnecessary. Crafting by hand connects me more deeply with the material, enhancing its organic essence. This approach feels more natural to me.