Description: An amazing oak / burr oak pedestal desk and ‘Gnasher’ desk chair. Combination of six drawers and two shelved cupboards.

Provenance: Commissioned by a relative of Tim Stead. After Tim’s death in 2000 his wife Maggy continued to run the business under the name ‘The Workshop of Tim Stead’ initially to complete existing orders. The desk was completed in 2003, the chair in 2002. Tim’s hand and thoughts are very much alive in these pieces.

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: Commissioned in the late 1990s and completed in 2002/2003. Signed and dated to the underside.

Dimensions: Width 158cm; Depth 104cm; Height 71.5cm. Width between drawer bases 50cm.

Condition: Excellent original condition. Wonderful quality and detailing. Lovely colour and stunning grain pattern to the oak / burr oak. Small imperfections in the wood are filled with a cold cast bronze. Stitches, butterfly joints and fissures inlaid with contrasting woods.

Amazingly sculptural and tactile pieces of furniture. A wonderful example of Tim’s work and vision.