Knotty Chest, 2000-2020
A boarded construction from knotty oak of great strength, locally sourced in the Scottish Borders. The hinges are forged in shape around the knots by John Hill – one-time blacksmith to York Minster Cathedral. John reused the wrought iron from ancient farm implements.
This was pegged and hinged 25 years ago and sat dormant until I decided to fill the cracks (inside and out) with oak and brass composite. The outsides are darkened with gall ink. The surface is smoothed over to feature the knots and I have left raw saw-marks in other areas.
About Adrian McCurdy
Adrian McCurdy (b.1953, Kendal) is one of Scotland’s most respected furniture makers, celebrated for work that combines traditional craftsmanship with a refined contemporary sensibility. Working from his workshop in the Scottish Borders, he creates furniture and sculptural objects from locally sourced timber, often using storm-felled trees and sustainably harvested hardwoods from the surrounding landscape.
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