Meet One Of Perth's Newest Furniture Makers, Jake Sawyer Of Marshall Wood.
Jake Sawyer creates commissions for bespoke timber furniture from his Osborne Park workshop. Visits to Marshall Wood are by appointment.
Oh how lucky we truly are.
Literally; as each new day emerges with it comes a new reason to celebrate the design industry here in Perth Western Australia.
Today we get to know Perth furniture maker, Jake Sawyer of Marshall Wood. After years practicing as a qualified Chartered Accountant, this skilled artisan is now choosing to follow his dream path of furniture designer; because why waste another minute?
So what’s the story? I sit down with Jake to find out what he’s been up to for the last year and see if we can’t find out a little more about what to expect from this gifted timber furniture designer.
The ‘Halesworth’ timber walnut dining table by Marshall Wood.
In a world of 'machines' & mass production, what is it about dedicating your craft to 'handmaking' furniture that's so important to you?
“To begin with, woodworking was simply an activity to fill my time. In a few short months, I wrapped up my post graduate studies, went through a break up, and cut ties with the band I was in.”
Nothing screams ‘rock-star’ more than this I am sure of it !
6 seater 2.2m x 1m black stained finish birch dining table. The grain still visible up close.
I found myself needing an outlet, and something about the process of putting together a little table or stool felt meaningful in a way that I hadn’t experienced before. It wasn’t long before I was putting my career as a Chartered Accountant to the side to take my hobby to the next level.
My understanding of and appreciation for handmade wares only grew from there, as I experimented, educated myself, and gained further insight into the industry. For me, every piece is a labour of love, along with many other emotions. There has been blood, there has been sweat, there has definitely been tears. And when the final product is ready for its home, it is with a great sense of accomplishment that I make the delivery because I know that I’ve created something from nothing, and something that is built to last a lifetime (and beyond) at that.
Favourite timber. Why?
Can’t go past American black walnut - it machines easily, it finishes beautifully, and it makes the workshop smell great. In saying that, I love almost every species when the initial coat of finish goes on and you can see the grain pop for the first time.
And isn’t that why we ALL LOVE timber ? Gnarly and knotty for the win, am I right?
The Gambit. You know what's coming right? Why chess tables?
My girlfriend went ahead and watched that one [ The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix for those playing at home ] without me (a cardinal sin), but I may indeed have it to thank for the great reception that my tables have had!
The first build was for a friend who requested something with storage space for pieces and from there it all fell into place. I wish I could make some witty chess jokes right now but I don’t even know how to play, although I’ve been inspired to learn!
I’m also calling it ! Jake hit the ground running focusing on two-tone with absolute vision embracing the humble game of chess and now in timely fashion, Sarah Ellison has also just released her latest ‘La Banda’ range also celebrating the beauty of multi-tonal pieces.
Below : Marshall Wood’s chess tables in Walnut and Ash with built in storage for pieces (or anything really).
Below : Sarah Ellison’s latest range ‘La Banda’ featuring rug by Armadillo & Co. Image Dave Wheeler, Styled by Joseph Gardner
What happens to all the little pieces of timber? Any future chess pieces we can expect to see?
Like most woodworkers, I have a really hard time throwing any offcuts away. Small lengths of solid timber are kept aside for things like side tables. In fact, all of the chess tables I have made to date have been constructed from dining table offcuts. Thinner strips of solid timber eventually become edge banding for veneered panels. Leftovers from sheet goods (melamine, mdf, plywood etc) are kept aside to build jigs and other things around the workshop. I’ll only throw these out when they are literally falling apart. Anything left over that doesn’t fit into these categories is passed on to hobbyist friends to tinker with. Making chess pieces is a great idea, but unfortunately I am yet to find a way to make it viable from a business point of view.
Calling all carpenters!! If you have a steady and patient hand and can turn Jake’s bits of wood into pieces, get in touch !
What piece of furniture do you believe we can never OVER invest in?
Beds and dining tables. Arguably the most significant pieces in anyone’s home.
A great deal of time is spent in our beds, and dining tables are often considered the heart of a home. These items are big, and many will spend a decent chunk of money on them in a furniture store - I say spend a bit more investing in a piece that will last.
Not only will you get a great piece of furniture but you’ll be supporting a local business and literally putting food on my table (which I didn’t make by the way, but that’s another story).
Is there a historical piece of furniture, style or era you'd love to see make a comeback?
I’m not sure that this counts as a comeback, but I’d really like to make a modern version of the classic farmhouse table, the kind that you see in movies where the protagonist is holidaying in a French villa that is hundreds of years old. Think old school joinery and techniques but a clean, smooth finish.
Last one! If you were sat at a dinner party next to Nathan Day (of Nathan Day Design) because I know you are a HUGE fan, what would your first words be?
“Haha - this is a bit awkward because while I’m a big fan of Nathan’s, I’ve never actually spoken to him.
For starters, if he made the dining table then I’d be on the floor inspecting it and taking note of how it was made. There’s hundreds of things I’d want to ask him, but I’d probably start with: “Sorry for buying Rick’s panel saw.”
Nathan, if you’re reading this, I’m not sure he’s really THAT sorry….
All of Jake’s work is underpinned by good old fashioned instinct and passion. Like many makers who take that courageous next step in their career, often leaving behind security and slightly more manageable outcomes, Jake’s whole lifeblood is lit up by using his hands.
It’s refreshing to see the chartered accountant in him is being put to good use. You can build to precision without an appreciation for the details in numbers. That’s an uplifting story in itself - be good at maths, kids!!
I personally feel blessed that we have such a growing and emerging talent base that supports a conscious ethos locally; and with a renewed focus on longevity, and a considered mindset of ‘why’ before you purchase. it’s really good news Perth. These are the makers that are helping to change our design landscape for the better.
INTERIOR DESIGNERS can request Marshall Wood’s full collection of bespoke timber furniture here which includes indicative pricing to assist you in guiding your clients.
Anything is possible with Jake and I hope you take a look at these recent commissions and it gives you all some food for thought when considering buying locally made furniture by hand.
You will also find Marshall Wood in our Experts Directory.
