Bent Willow Chair… the Epilogue…
Last week I finished a chair that I started last May in the Don King, Walla Walla Bent Willow Chair Building Workshop. Before you conclude that I’m a slow worker, I need to say that I finished “right on time”. The chair was made from freshly cut green willow. Once the actual construction was completed the willow needed to dry before the chair could be finished.
During the last five months, the chair lost about a third of its’ water weight. In the process the willows also shrank in size. The final construction step was to reset the nail heads and then grind back any nails that were sticking out the back of the willows. Since the willows had had their opportunity to dry, I could put a finish on the chair, without the fear that I had sealed in some moisture.
the oil finish gave the 'davemade' chair a rich reddish tone especially in the October sunlight
It is amazing how a group of multiple little ‘twigs’ can at once be both beautiful and strong…
this picture highlights the pattern the willows that form on the chair back
As the workshop was winding down, Don said ‘my only regret is that I didn’t have the opportunity to learn some of these ergonometric techniques when I started building chairs. It took me years to work some of them out.’ ‘I am however closer to the end of my building career than to the beginning. I feel it is necessary to pass my knowledge on and to keep the chair building craft alive.’
Don, thank you for spending five days in Walla Walla with us… and thank you for passing some of your knowledge and creative aesthetic along to us. Looking back on the workshop, it seems that the bent willow chair, I now have, is kind of like a party favor that I got to take home after the wonderful experience.
Don King
Very cool chairs. It looks like each one of the chairs had the personality/size of the builder incorporated into their design. I am sure that your’s will become an Emigh family heirloom! Good work big brother.
Dave, the chair is remarkably beautiful. This is not a surprise considering who made it, and yet it is so lovely and graceful that it is still surprising. I wish he would offer this workshop here. Thanks for sharing.
Does anyone know how to locate Don Kings workshop schedule or his e-mail address?
Thank you,
Ed Petru
Ed,
The thing about Don is that he pretty much lives “off of the grid” – in a good way… last May he was talking about getting his first computer – ever. I don’t have an email address for him – if one even exists. He lives in Challis, Idaho and that might help… I’ll post any Don King information that comes my way. Dave
Thank you for the reply Dave
Dave, I would have to say Gary would have been totally awed by this chair. Beautiful shape.