Project Description
Welcome to the Woodworking section of the Lee Coleman Collection.
Woodworking:
Greene and Greene Rocker
I am of course proud of this example of my woodwork, but Matthew Morris of MM Wood Studio deserves equal billing. Check him out and if you already have some tools and some experience, and ordinary talent (about like me) you can do this! Wherever your passion leads you, go the extra mile and you won’t regret it.
The rocker from another angle. I love the way the Claro walnut both compliments and is complimented by the other woods in the house.
The compound curves of the rocker backslats and crest rail are perfect examples of Charles Greene’s genius. Without the patterns made possible by Matthew Morris’ patient study of the original chair, and their availability from MMWoodStudio, woodworkers like me would have a tough time getting things right.
Ebony here is MY contribution to the Greene and Greene repertoire. I guarantee, NO ONE HAS ADDED THIS TOUCH, and I think it looks great. If you don’t agree, don’t tell me.
I never dreamed I would ever create anything like the crest rail in this rocker. With Morris’ video (comes with the video class), and a Festool mini disc sander/grinder/polisher, it has a shape and a glow that still amaze me.
The back slats with ebony cross braces. Who else but Charles Greene would come up with this?
A closer view of the back slats. Again, I think that the use of ebony and its straight lines with the grain of the walnut is a great touch. This is an example of how a simple structural requirement – the need to tie the back slats together to enhance support – can add beauty. This is something Greene and Greene understood.
This photo shows the detail on the back of the chair, at the top. Though it is unlikely, given the weight of the chair, that anyone would try to pick it up by the handle, it does make it easier to move the chair without resorting to lifting it by the arms.
From the back, a look at the top of the chair. Again, you can see the grace of the curvature of the rocker.
Most people don’t notice these little touches, but I do because I remember the time it took. Like the lamination lines which come from the bending with a form, not by steam.
This fabulous detail was done when I was getting impatient to finish. Hence the rather rough curve and a few file marks. Months later I cleaned it up to look better than the picture shows!
This image shows how the cross member supporting the seat is attached to the frame. Careful layout and execution of the joints are of course the heart of quality woodworking.