Description: Set of six elm / burr elm ‘Gnasher’ chairs. 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’, and a belief that a tree that has lived a good life deserves a second life as a beautiful and considered piece of furniture. For Tim, furniture and sculpture are part of the same conversation, there is no distinction. Sculpture is furniture, furniture is sculpture.

Like George Nakashima, Tim Stead respected the natural properties of the wood. Rather than discarding the edges, cracks and knots, traditionally considered imperfect, he preserved and highlighted them turning these features into the focal point of each piece, allowing the inherent beauty of the wood to speak for itself.

Tim Stead’s home ‘The Steading’ in the Scottish Borders is a total work of art - a complete, harmonious interior, fully furnished. In some respects it is the fulfilment of an artistic vision and a devotion to a life of creative exploration. 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

Dimensions: Width 37cm; Depth 55cm; Height 98cm.

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 set of chairs.