Description: Pair of elm / burr elm ‘Gnasher’ armchairs. Apparently Tim’s children loved the ‘Beano’ comic and so the design was named after ‘Gnasher’ the dog - the seat back reminiscent of his jaws.

Designer: Tim Stead (1952-2000)

Biography: Tim Stead was a British sculptor and furniture maker. His furniture has a wonderful organic, sculptural quality and is incredibly tactile. His work shares a deep understanding and an underlying philosophy to that of George Nakashima - ‘The soul and spirit of the tree, and the dedication of the woodworker to his or her craft’.

Tim Stead’s home ‘The Steading’ in the Scottish Borders is a total work of art, a complete, harmonious interior, fully furnished. In 2020 the house, interior, adjacent sawmill and workshop was designated Grade A Listed status by Historic Environment Scotland. The house and archive are now managed by the Tim Stead Trust.

Date: Designed c.1982. These examples date from 1998.

Dimensions: Width 72cm; Depth 65cm; Height 104cm; Seat height 46cm; Arm height 62cm.

Condition: Excellent original condition. Wonderful quality and detailing. Lovely colour and stunning grain pattern to the burr elm. Small imperfections in the wood are filled with a cold cast bronze.

Amazingly sculptural and tactile pair of chairs. The armchair versions are rarer examples of the ‘Gnasher’ design.