This is a selection of some of our recent press.
There’s something special about Bern Chandley – although he would likely be the first to disagree.
Using both traditional and modern methods, Bern has devoted his work to meticulously handcrafted Windsor chairs of ‘heirloom quality’. Of course he enjoys the technique involved – he’s good at it – but there seems to be a deeper satisfaction in the knowledge that these robust, yet delicate pieces will likely be passed down from generation to generation, designed to last well beyond the lifetime of their owners.
For this latest instalment of The Tools I Use, we travel to Thomastown to visit Bern in his studio and see how the magic happens.
Article by Sally Tabart
Follow on instagram for the progress of latest projects and traditional techniques in action.
Bern Chandley was awarded the George Ingham Fine Chair Making Award at Studio Furniture 2018 for his work CoCo Armchair.
‘Studio Furniture 2018 is a landmark exhibition of work by today’s leading designer makers at the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery in NSW. It is celebrating its 35th year, in partnership with the Australian Wood Review celebrating its 100th issue.’
‘Forge & Carve looks at eighteen crafters and how and why they create the items they do. From basket weaver to blacksmith, from potter to bowyer, meet some of the talented people behind this revival of time-honoured techniques and discover how they make a living from their artistry. Admire their craftsmanship; share their enthusiasm; and learn from their philosophy.’
Published by Canopy Press
Nov/Dec 2017 Bern Chandley and his chair the 'Low Back Diner' are featured in the back cover article of Fine Woodworking Magazine U.S.A. Titled "Australian Windsor"
Article by Jonathan Binzen, photos by Lillie Thompson
Bern Chandley receives the Highly Commended Award for his chair the 'Low Bow Diner' in the 2017 Clarence Prize for Excellence in Furniture
"The Low Bow Diner is a subtle and sophisticated interpretation of an archetype. The judges were impressed with the designer's understanding of materials and the genre to be able to create such a beautifully crafted, refined and well-proportioned chair. This chair demonstrates a dedication of practice to one archetype, and the time taken to iteratively develop the approach over many years... This chair has the soul of the handmade. The beautiful joinery and use of techniques that can only be brought out by hand make this work exceptional." - Judges comments.
Photo by Tess Kelly, styling by Tamara Maynes
We’re closing MAN WEEK with an introduction to a truly incredible local craftsperson.
Meet Bernard Chandley, a proper old fashioned furniture maker. From his workshop in Alphington, Melbourne, Bernard creates the kind of furniture you rarely see being made by hand any more. His traditional Windsor chairs are the kind that tend to stay in the family, handed from one generation to the next.
Article by Lucy Feagins
The March issue of Wood Review will feature the work of Melbourne bespoke furniture maker Bern Chandley. Bern has worked variously as a carpenter, joiner, set and prop builder but most recently has created a big name for himself as a maker of Windsor chairs and settees.