Welsh Stick Chair Maker
Operating from a light and airy studio beneath the legendary Folly Tower on the Mamhilad Park Estate near Pontypool, South Wales, Castell Carreg Furniture creates Welsh stick chairs. Inspired by the local landscape and of traditional Welsh craft processes, chairs are built one by one, using various tools and technological processes that are available to hand. This ethos of building strong light furniture with what you have, is a tradition that goes back over 100 years.
The furniture that is made in the studio often uses tapered octagons, similar in appearance to that of the original Welsh country styles from which they derive. The term stick chair or Welsh Windsor chair refers to a chair that has it’s components that steam from a seat, and were often made by country folk using tools and materials that they had to hand. Although simple in aesthetic, an intimate knowledge of the material was required to build strong, light, functional chairs that last - there are many examples that have lasted well over a century! Apparently the Welsh stick chair was the predecessor of Shaker furniture. With their strikingly minimal appearance and timeless aesthetic it’s easy to see the connection.
In the studio work is made quietly, finding the natural rhythm of working, tuning into the sounds of the space, and letting the wood sing. Each project is carefully navigated with mindfulness and precision. Some work has a natural oil finish where appropriate, while others has a traditional milk painted surface, available in a range of colours. A visit to the gallery is recommended to see the work on display and to view the various finishes available for your chair. Work is continuing to be added to the gallery on a regular basis, so do check in again to see the latest finished projects.
