Ladderback chairs are hand made from cleft timber.
East American Shaker chair makers and English chair maker Phillip Clisset, were some who were perfecting the art of these classic, lightweight, elegant and sturdy ladderback chairs in the 19th century. I produce a small selection, close to the original designs, but adapted to suit modern day proportions and comfort requirements. I make them, mostly to commission, in my workshops at the National Trust’s Old Mill in St Dominick, Cornwall.
These hand made ladder back chairs are produced in the old way from green, cleft timber, assembled using wet/dry joinery and grain alignment, enhanced with oak wedges and pins, seated with natural, hardwearing materials and finished with oils and waxes. They are future heirlooms. Many examples of this type of chair, over a hundred years old, are still to be found in everyday use.
Green wood working know-how, hand crafted joinery and seat weaving skills have been learned, practiced and handed down for centuries. I am committed to keeping this precious heritage alive in my work.
