When designing a new chair I often look to the past for historical examples that have been previously made for inspiration, drawing on their proportions and details to inform contemporary decisions. This oiled three‑stick comb‑back is inspired by a chair on display at St Fagans Museum of History, Cardiff, originally made with a single curved branch for the armrest, and I referenced that original craftsmanship throughout the design process.
The gently curved armrest and the slender, widely spaced back sticks give the chair an open, organic silhouette that feels both airy and deliberate. I aimed to convey that sense of lightness in this piece, pairing the comb‑back with a shallower, gently scooped seat that echoes the arm profile and encourages a relaxed posture. The carved shallow impression in the seat provides subtle comfort and tactile interest while keeping the overall profile clean and minimal.
This chair reflects key aesthetics of early Welsh stick chairs: simplicity of form, honest use of wood, and functional refinement, all balanced to suit modern living. The oiled finish enhances the grain and warmth of the timber while preserving the understated, timeless quality of the design.
When designing a new chair I often look to the past for historical examples that have been previously made for inspiration, drawing on their proportions and details to inform contemporary decisions. This oiled three‑stick comb‑back is inspired by a chair on display at St Fagans Museum of History, Cardiff, originally made with a single curved branch for the armrest, and I referenced that original craftsmanship throughout the design process.
The gently curved armrest and the slender, widely spaced back sticks give the chair an open, organic silhouette that feels both airy and deliberate. I aimed to convey that sense of lightness in this piece, pairing the comb‑back with a shallower, gently scooped seat that echoes the arm profile and encourages a relaxed posture. The carved shallow impression in the seat provides subtle comfort and tactile interest while keeping the overall profile clean and minimal.
This chair reflects key aesthetics of early Welsh stick chairs: simplicity of form, honest use of wood, and functional refinement, all balanced to suit modern living. The oiled finish enhances the grain and warmth of the timber while preserving the understated, timeless quality of the design.
