Gentleman's Valet Stand

In 2003 I was invited by The Guild Shop in Toronto to participate in their "Turning Traditions" exhibition. Wanting to build something new for this event I designed a custom valet stand specifically to meet the needs of today's man.



This Gentleman's Valet Stand measures 25" wide x 25" deep x 52-3/4" high in the closed position. When the split shell opens the dimensions increase to 39" wide x 26-3/4" deep.

The exterior is crafted from a rare sampling of Curly Birds Eye Maple, which has been an integral part of my core stash of for many years. A purfling of Mahogany and Ebony is interwoven as inlay on all 4 sides, plus top.



The cabinet interior is crafted from quarter cut Makore, with 7 drawers stacked over a pair of lower doors. The upper drawer is fitted with compartments for wrist watches, cuff links, billfolds and fountain pens.



The image inlaid into the top of the chest is that of a turtle, and its form was inspired by an ancient aboriginal rock glyph. Not only is this image symbolic of protection, but given that turtles do not move very fast it also suggests the need for patience.

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Pedestal Jewel Box from the "Boxed Jewels" Exhibition

In 2006 The Guild Shop in Toronto showcased some examples of my work at an exhibition called "Boxed Jewels". The following Pedestal Jewel Box was one of the pieces on display.

Oddly enough it's only been recently that I've finally made the effort to have this thing photographed, largely because this design became the inspiration for a custom watch winder box we recently completed .

This Pedestal Jewel Box measures 12-5/8" wide x 11-1/8" deep x 49-1/2" overall height. When open it measures 16-3/8" wide. The pedestal is made of FSC certified Nero Vermelho which has been sculpted into an entasis shape using the same geometric proportions used by the ancient Greeks to construct the Parthenon in Athens.

The exterior of the split shell box is crafted out of some of my core stash of rare veneers - in this case the last of my spectacular Amboyna Cluster Burl that was first used to make the Amboyna Bed back in 1998.

The box interior is made of African Padauk, with the 5 undulating drawer fronts sculpted from solid stock. The drawer boxes are solid mahogany fitted with sliding dovetails. The drawer bottoms are lined in black Tuscany leather.

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