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These Whitley Original Designs
are available for sale in my showroom on a limited basis
The Sculptured Walnut Credenza
a tour de force of wood and design
30 ½ h x 69 w x 20 d
Why live with cold glass and metal, when warmth, beauty and character await us within the organic nature of wood? Why not bring the relevance of nature into our homes and lives? In the encroaching industrial world there is little tolerance for error, where perfection is represented by a flawless uniformity and functionality. In the organic world of nature, beauty is often achieved by the perilous balance of flaws and character. The perfect combination of beauty, character and practicality in art or furniture is an equally perilous balance. To prove this, the best figure in a wood section is always close to a knot, a check, the rot or discoloration. If one wants to use the most desirable figure, then one must find a way to use the knot, the check, the split and the free edge in such a manner that one creates a new way of looking at the totality of a designed object.
What formally might be considered a fault, now by its very nature may bring to the furniture a much all sought after and encompassing design concept.
The top of the Credenza has a natural free edge along the front but also extending on both sides of an interesting curving extension to the right side. A natural free edge sections is affixed to the back of the top, softening the normally harsh straight line. With the back’s arched shape displaying the cambian layer, “under the bark”, the sap wood and then the heart wood satisfies the most discerning of eyes.
The knot in the top is celebrated by relieving its split edges or “opening it up” for full view and tactile enjoyment.
There are three sculptured front doors with vertical free edge sections serving as opening devices. Opening the doors, one is surprised and gratified with the change of color by the naturally finished cherry shelves. An original designed catch made of spring tensioned white oak holding a turned and channeled rosewood peg holds the doors closed but allows for wood movement.
30 ½”H x 69W x 20D