handmade chairs
in the arts & crafts tradition
the HIDENWOODS story
These chairs were inspired by the leather seated hunting chairs of Spain and Portugal dating back to the 16th century. Made in the Arts & Crafts tradition with no attempt to diguise materials or structure. I wanted them to delight in simple handcraft and be the result of contented labour. In this simple way, I believe the marriage of wood and leather combines to make a comfortable chair that will take on the individual personality of the owner, as both mature and subtle changes in colour take place with time and use.
Den Woods
den woods
Producing the Hidenwoods chairs came at a pivotal point in my life and is the accumulation of my interests and creative talents. They have allowed me to extend my design abilities gained from my work in theatre, film and music.
As the daughter of a wood carver and great granddaughter of a bespoke shoe maker, the materials and tools used are part of my heritage. I am proud of what has been achieved by working closely with highly skilled master craftsman and women who understand my desire to make handmade furniture of an individual character.
the hides
The natural butt hides, supplied by Sedgwicks of Walsall, are traditionally tanned to stabilise the leather and drum dyed to produce deep and fast colours.
Using Sedgwicks own secret mix I then oil, polish and cut by hand the hide, before the seats are stitched by master saddle maker Melanie Isaacs.
I complete seat by soaking and fitting to the chair to allow it to 'block' to shape. After drying the seats are re-oiled and waxed to protect and moisturise the leather.
the woods
I choose the timber for its stability as a material and its natural beauty. Cut from sustainable sources in europe and america.
The frames are constructed using traditional techniques with hand chiseled mortise and tenon joints by master craftsman Edward Gallagher.
I sand and finish each chair by hand, before giving it a clear hard wax oil to protect the wood and to allow the natural colour and grain to shine through. A final beeswax polish gives a gentle lustre.