George Nakashima - Elegant Craftsman on Vimeo
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Iron Stool
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For those who live in or visit Minnesota, the library at the Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen has a wonderful collection of Nakashima furniture. Live edge tables, large slab ends on the bookshelves, exposed dovetails on bookcases and many chairs and benches. It is really worth a visit!
https://www.lib.umn.edu/spaces/ahl/nakashima
https://www.lib.umn.edu/spaces/ahl/nakashima
Cheese
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IronStool said:
Thanks for that [member=43143]IronStool[/member] ...I've visited the Arboretum hundreds of times and never made it to the library, [sad] next time I will. [big grin]
Just for some additional context:
Fabricated by George(?) in 1963
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/t...VYnRvBB2B6Q4eEAQYASABEgLZIvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
[attachimg=1]
Fabricated by the Studio in 2021https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/s...VYnRvBB2B6Q4eEAQYAiABEgIp7PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
[attachimg=2]
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4nthony
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I was doing research on woodworking classes and came across this class to build a Nakashima inspired chair:
https://wnwoodworkingschool.com/class/nakashima-inspired-chair-5/
The class is taught by the 5 Cut Method guy, William Ng.
https://wnwoodworkingschool.com/class/nakashima-inspired-chair-5/
The class is taught by the 5 Cut Method guy, William Ng.
In PA, not too far from Falling Water is another Frank Lloyd Wright house named Kentuck Knob. The family who currently owns the house let's the Western PA Conservancy give tours. While on the tour I immediately spotted some George Nakashima items in the house. Apparently, the same family owns more items from him, but they don't leave them in the house.
leakyroof
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I'd swear that we took a tour of his house while I was in Boarding School/High School in the early '80s. Our Art Class Teacher arranged it. Is the house in Penn. nearish the Philly area? Stunning woodwork inside the house, with all curves everywhere. Or do I have the wrong Artist? [embarassed]
smorgasbord
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I grew up with Nakashima furniture! Matter of fact, I'm typing this right now on the dining room table while sitting in a Conoid chair. I also sleep against a Nakashima headboard and we have two dressers as well.
In the 1960's and 70's his stuff wasn't that expensive. My parents had very different tastes, but Nakashima's design was something they both liked (my Mom likes the clean, simple lines and my Dad liked that it was solid wood).
I can take pictures if there's real interest. I've often felt that living with this stuff is what got me interested in woodworking in the first place. My parents got their bedroom set in the mid 1960's. I got to go with them to New Hope, Pennsylvania when they ordered a dining room set and a sideboard. One reason to go was to pick your board for the top. I remember being in the showroom with George sketching, and horsing around with my younger brother. My mother went to hush me, afraid we would wreck something. George stuck his hand out and said "That's OK, let them have fun." I later read about "Kevinizing."
In his writings, he hoped that his son, Kevin, would continue the business, but I guess that didn't happen. His daughter, Mira, is doing a great job and makes both old and new pieces.
In the 1960's and 70's his stuff wasn't that expensive. My parents had very different tastes, but Nakashima's design was something they both liked (my Mom likes the clean, simple lines and my Dad liked that it was solid wood).
I can take pictures if there's real interest. I've often felt that living with this stuff is what got me interested in woodworking in the first place. My parents got their bedroom set in the mid 1960's. I got to go with them to New Hope, Pennsylvania when they ordered a dining room set and a sideboard. One reason to go was to pick your board for the top. I remember being in the showroom with George sketching, and horsing around with my younger brother. My mother went to hush me, afraid we would wreck something. George stuck his hand out and said "That's OK, let them have fun." I later read about "Kevinizing."
In his writings, he hoped that his son, Kevin, would continue the business, but I guess that didn't happen. His daughter, Mira, is doing a great job and makes both old and new pieces.
There're countless photos on the net, but they aren't the same as those in real homes. So please share your collection.
I have the Conoid chair on my list to build (2023?), but only after I do a Maloof chair (hopefully this year -- the lumber is ready now that six months have passed -- but not the winter weather). Last year, I completed the Tage Frid's...so I won't be making any more chairs once those two are built.
I have the Conoid chair on my list to build (2023?), but only after I do a Maloof chair (hopefully this year -- the lumber is ready now that six months have passed -- but not the winter weather). Last year, I completed the Tage Frid's...so I won't be making any more chairs once those two are built.
