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Masters of the Craft

Robert Erickson's Chairs: Angle of Repose

Jon Binzen, senior editor

92 users recommend

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Robert Erickson is one of the most accomplished chairmakers in the country. Raised in Nebraska, he made his way to California in 1969 and a few years later built himself a shop in a remote area in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With no power, no phone lines, and no potential clients nearby, he began working with hand tools--and a chainsaw--and decided to focus on chairs because they were easy to ship. These days he runs his fully-equipped shop on solar power and ships his work all across the country.

With no formal training in woodworking, Erickson learned through reading and by trial and error. After four decades at the craft, he's earned a national reputation for chairs in a wide range of types and various styles, all of them combining a command of aesthetics, durability, and comfort.

Erickson's chairs typically feature clear-finished domestic hardwoods--most of them western but some from the east--but he also has an affinity for pieces painted in bold colors. And although he's best known for his chairs, in recent years he's been building impressive tables and case pieces as well.

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Comments (5)

JayPique writes: Really gorgeous work. Sadly, it makes me want to give away my tools and let real craftsman like this prosper.
Posted: 10:43 am on February 23rd

MACAUS writes: After seeing this piece I would have to say he is one of the most accomplished chair makers in the world, not just the USA. The composition of wood and steel in his tables was also very inspiring. A joy to see a true master craftman's creation.

Posted: 6:27 am on December 31st

RalphBarker writes: Jon - nicely produced piece about an inspirational maker.

Posted: 1:13 pm on December 28th

cahudson42 writes: Beautiful chairs - for sure!

The Adirondack's appear to be at least somewhat influenced by the original Adirondack - the Westport of the early 1900's. Much improved - wth the curved back!

The Adirondack Museum has the original Westport plan available for $15:

http://www.adirondackmuseumstore.com/1654.html

for anyone who might like the original dimensions for their own 'point of departure'.

Frank Lloyd Wright also based his outdoor chairs at Yemassee Plantation on the Westport...
Posted: 4:25 pm on December 9th

Woodsmithy writes: Beautiful work. I love the artistic quality of their pieces, and the way they incorporate the natural beauty or nuisances of the wood/iron.
Posted: 10:21 am on November 30th

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