News at Dunstone Design

Maker's Mark

In early 2007, Evan commissioned sculptor and Olympic gold medalist in archery Simon Fairweather to design and produce the new “Maker's Mark” for Dunstone Design. Cast in bronze, the maker's mark will now grace each piece of commissioned work by Dunstone Design. The maker's mark was one of Fairweather's first commissions in cast bronze and he is now specializing is small castings. Evan particularly enjoyed his chance to be on the “client's” side of the commissioning process for once.

Tasmania

In April/May of 2007 Evan taught chair design at the Australian School of Fine Furniture(ASFF), University of Tasmanian , Launceston. The students had five weeks to design and make a dining or side chair using only solid timber (no sheet material was allowed). Although many students struggled with the time frame (five weeks is not long to conceive and make a chair) the results were impressive and diverse.

Simon Ancher

Evan found working with ASFF Director Simon Ancher particularly rewarding. Ancher is first and foremost a designer and brings none of the “baggage” that many obsessive wood workers bring to furniture making. Working with Simon was interesting and challenging, as Ancher is excellent at analyzing and critiquing designs.

Swedish Connection

For three months in 2006 Dunstone Design was visited by Swedish cabinet maker Jon Davidsson . From the island of Oland , Jon is a keen wood carver as well as a Journeyman Cabinetmaker. There must be something in the water over there, because Swedish cabinet makers are excellent. The training is comprehensive, rigorous and detailed. Would that there was similar training in Australia !

In spring of 2005, Evan spent some delightful weeks collaborating with Swedish trainee designer/maker Rasmus Malbert. Rasmus was studying at the Carl Mamsten CTD, Stockholm (where he was later awarded the school's second highest medal for craftsmanship and design). His stay with Dunstone Design fulfilled his course requirement for a seven week internment with industry. Rasmus is now in partnership with two other makers in Sweden .

When Rasmus was with Dunstone Design he spent much of his time assisting with the prototype of the award winning Cascade rocking chair. A highlight of Rasmus' stay was the two hour guest lecture he gave at the Wood Workshop , N.I.T.A, ANU. Interestingly, Dr Rodney Hayward , Head of the Wood Workshop , was trained by James Krenov, who also trained at the Carl Malmsten school. The school has had a far reaching influence on contemporary furniture design and making.

Australian Wood Review

Evan is now a regular contributor to Australian Wood Review magazine. He has written many articles for the magazine, his most popular being his “working with Australian timbers” series.