“When nature provides a unique piece of Jarrah timber like this, you cannot mess with it. The Working Jarrah combines the spiritual in art and the corporeal in design. I invite you to take a seat and become part of the journey.” - Maddie Lamont This project investigated the history and journey of a piece of Jarrah wood picked up by Lamont’s father from the port of Great Yarmouth in 1999 who kept it safe and secure until now. The timber was traced back to it’s origins in Western Australia and has been returned to it’s former glory. An understanding of why the Australian timber was transported to the UK in the 19th century and used as part of the sea defence was gained by speaking to the Time and Tide museum in Great Yarmouth. Inspiration was found through research into the Jarrah Export trade and through discussions with people who knew about Jarrah forests and the timber its self. |
The result is the timber sitting on top of two metal frames that gives freedom to the visually heavy material. The seat has been sanded by hand to highlight the swirling rich grain of the wood whilst inviting you to sit and become part of the wood’s working journey. The rest of wood has been cleaned and left untouched, it embodies its historical value whilst looking modern and fun.