The Art of Chairmaking is the definitive guide to making Windsor chairs, with essential information on tools, materials and techniques.
Windsor chairs, where the legs are mortised into the seat and don’t form the backrest, are known for the striking elegance and comfort. This book is the perfect introduction to the art of making these distinctive chairs, clearly explaining every step, from selecting the right wood and setting up a workshop, to using a lathe to create ornate legs and how to form a perfectly shaped seat. With detailed step-by-step photography and clear construction diagrams, this book is a one-stop resource for aspiring and experienced chair-makers alike.
The Art of Chairmaking includes projects for 5 classic furniture designs, including a 3-legged round stool, square table, simple bench, course armchair and comb back armchair.
Introduction 6
Setting up 14
The Workshop 16
Tools 26
How to Make a Chair 50
Sourcing, Storing and Preparing Timber 52
Making Legs and Stretchers 64
Making Spindles and Dowels 72
Making Seat Blanks 76
Making Arm Bow and Crest Blanks 80
Steam Bending Arms and Crests 82
Tenons and Mortices 92
Carving a Seat 102
Assembling a Chair 110
Levelling Up 118
Finishing Touches 120
Project No. 1 124
A Simple Three-Legged Stool
Project No. 2 134
A Sturdy Square Stool or Table 134
Project No. 3
Low Back Armchair 146
Project No. 4
Shaker Bench 168
Project No. 5 188
Lobster Pot Armchair
Plans and Templates 208
Acknowledgements 221
Index 222
Jason Mosseri studied at Kingston School of Art and the University of Brighton. In 2014 he built his own workshop, where he started out making chairs for private commissions before opening Hopesprings Chairs in 2017. He trained under the tutelage of internationally renowned Windsor chairmaker Curtis Buchanan in Tennessee. Jason specialises using traditional tools and techniques to make chairs that are contemporary and sculptural. As well as tutoring at West Dean College in West Sussex, UK, Jason is a is QEST scholar, teaching students on the Prince's Foundation Building Craft Programme. His work has been featured in a number of magazine articles. Jason also runs short chairmaking courses at his woodland workshop and won a Sussex Countryside Award in 2020 for them. He is based in the UK.
