"The hands-on element is very important to us because it improves our understanding of the pieces of furniture we can actually design. If we step aside from that we will never see all of the problems."
Charles Wheeler-Carmichael
Partners for twenty years, Rupert Senior and Charles Wheeler-Carmichael enjoy a challenge, They have always made the moving parts within their furniture, but for many years fostered an ambition to make a mechanically expanding table. One of their more adventurous clients threw down the gauntlet – "…if you can make it, I will buy it." All the work was done in their workshop and on completion this table was awarded a guild mark by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.
Expanding mechanical table
(Detail) The caps at the end of each of the bronze arms can be removed to allow candleholders to be attached
Expanding mechanical table
American black walnut burr with mechanism of polished and patinated bronze and engine turned stainless steel.
Seats six to ten. The table expands by turning the top. Eight leaves are then inserted into the spaces created.
Detail shows capstan closed. 740 x 1520 -1880mm diameter 29 x 60 – 74 in.
Detail of Sun cabinet
Fluted sections of laminated ripple sycamore radiate from the burr yew centre of the sun, itself a secret drawer.
Sun cabinet
Ripple sycamore, ebony and burr yew.
2060 x 1160 x 390mm /81 x 46 x 15 in (In association with A. Weston)
Expanding circular table Figured birch, polished cast aluminium, masur birch and glass. The table
extends by attaching an outer ring, made in eight sections.
Fantail dining chairs in
maple with webbed and sprung upholstery.
Table: 740 x 1630 – 2000mm diameter / 29 x 64 – 79 in.
Detail
Shows the tabie top with central glass panel,
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Side table
American black walnut.
840 x 1140 X 460mm / 33 x 45 x 18 in.
Hurricane and Lilliput chairs
Made in a combination of hardwoods salvaged from the 1987 hurricane. Hurricane: 710 x 630 x 530mm 30 x 25 x 21 in.
Lilliput: 460 x 440 x 330mm 18 x 17 x 13 in.
Revolving bookcase Walnut and wenge. 1300 x 570 x 570mm 51 x22x 22 in.
Detail
The independently rotating lectern folds flat when not in use.
