Nakashima Inspired Coffee Table - Beginners Course

September 28, 2024Jacqueline Boell

$1190.00 AUD

*Table top will be an extra price (between $50 - $150) depending on what slab you chose.

Presented by Mike Blood

Presented for the very first time is this ‘Nakashima Inspired’ Coffee Table. For those who are unfamiliar with the ‘Nakashima’ name, here is a brief introduction:

George Nakashima was a first-generation Japanese/ American., born in 1905, who after graduating from university as an architect, became an internationally renowned and incredibly influential furniture maker. He is considered to be within the US, one of the original Godfathers of the ‘Studio Furniture Movement’. HIs work still provides immense inspiration to up and coming furniture makers around the world.

Personally, I feel this is due to his innate ability to highlight in the simplest way the incredible natural beauty that exists in timber. You can see this clearly in so much of his work.

Four very simple principles are always at play:
1. Simplicity
2. Craftsmanship
3. Proportion
4. Material – ie. the natural beauty of timber

Guided by these principles, we present to you our 11-week ‘Nakashima Inspired Coffee Table’ course. This course will start with an exciting opportunity to choose your own slab from a large collection of salvaged timbers at The Guild. All of these timbers have been salvaged from in and around Melbourne. Several weeks will be spent preparing your tabletop. For example, removing bark from the natural edge, filling small cavities with a clear epoxy and perhaps securing and a crack with a butterfly joint. Once the top has been prepared, you will start work on the walnut base, which involves some lathe work and some challenging but very manageable joinery associated with the back and front angled leg.

You will be directed to the MindBody booking page.

Your ‘Sensei’ – Mike Blood, like myself has been immensely influenced by George Nakashima and his aesthetic over the years. Mike has decades of experience teaching furniture making and is incredibly patient. He is the perfect instructor to guide you through this exciting new project.

Mike is proud and excited to teach this timeless piece to a willing audience. We look forward to seeing you at this very special ‘Nakashima Inspired Coffee Table’ course!

Alastair Boell

Director – Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking

Instructor

Michael Blood

Michael has had a lifelong passion for woodworking. He has taught “Design and Technology” for over 45 years with a special interest in woodcraft and furniture making. His extensive portfolio of work ranges from modern furniture and cabinetry through to classic works of reproduction, especially those from Japan.