Replies

1. 
   eddiefromaustralia | Nov 19, 2004 12:32pm | #1

   HI Mac,

   I think that I know the one you mean - can you post a scan of the card?

   I've got a reference to a fairly thorough book on Arts & Crafts at work - it would have details of this or v. similar pieces.

   Cheers,

   eddie

1. 
   macalex | Nov 19, 2004 02:04pm | #2

   I knew someone would ask that Eddie!

   My scanner's gone native. I'll see what I can do.

   I was hoping there'd only be one Macintosh 'writing desk' postcard, and that someone would have liked it as much as I do and done a scaled drawing.

   Maybe not even the magical knots can do that!?

    

   MNew Zealand | New Thinking

2. 
   KeithNewton | Nov 20, 2004 08:25am | #3

   Mac2. Good for you for choosing Rennie to follow, and for inspiration. I have done so myself, however I never try to copy any artist exactly. I would suggest that you get one of his books and study it carefully, then try to find your own interpretation of his style. Even if you just choose to use a little part of this and another little part from there, and bring them all together as something else, you will be doing him the honor that he deserves.
   If you do this properly, you will be doing him a greater honor than simply trying to duplicate something which has already been done. He would be more proud of you if he taught you to organize your thoughts like his than to have you copy him. Life is not so easy as to have someone deliver the plans for your next projects to your door.
   Now go get yourself a drawing pad, maybe a glass of wine, and sit down with a book of his work and start sketching.
   Rennie is easy to channel. Go for it man, keep it clean. He will be there for you. K

1. 
   macalex | Nov 20, 2004 01:42pm | #4

   It's not a copy I'm after. I liked the dimensions of this writing cabinet, and the way it functions (it has gate leg supports for the drop flap), but when I did a quick and dirty scale off the postcard, it didn't seem right. Starting with the conventional height of a writing surface (about 700mm) the rest of the piece seemed too small. If it's a stand-up desk (one you stand at to write) then it looks better and the proportions are right.

   I bought a sheet of 1220 by 2440 (8 by 4) 25mm MDF today and knocked up a full scale model. I'm going to attack it tomorrow with my panel saw and trim a bit off here and quite a bit off there, and see if I can produce something that's as dimensionally pleasing as the Macintosh picture. I think I can, with a conventional height form factor.

   If someone had a drawing from life, I could have confirmed whether I was on the right track or not, without having to spend a day butchering MDF.

   BTW, most Macintosh is too idiosyncratic for my tast. This cabinet is quite plain.

   M

    New Zealand | New Thinking

3. 
   yona | Nov 21, 2004 01:36pm | #5

   Hello mac2

   You just have to keep looking in books, mostly try architecture books. Since he majorly worked as an architect most of his work is covered in architecture books. Those books will cover mainly buildings but will dedicate portion of the book to his furniture.

   Also note that his furniture is still being produce by the Cassina company in Italy http://www.cassina.it and they have the most beautiful catalog you can find. I made his D.S.3 chair by scaling a very small drawing which was 1"x 1".

4. 
   eddiefromaustralia | Nov 25, 2004 12:16am | #6

   Mac,

   I have, here in my hot little hands, a borrowed, complete compendium of Macintosh's work including rough design sketches.  I need to return this next week to it's owner.

   Let me know more details of the design (if you can scan a postcard, would be perfect) and I'll shoot you through a copy of the design sketches that are in the compendium

   Cheers,

   eddie

   edit: spelling

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/24/2004 4:18 pm ET by eddie (aust)

1. 
   Malcolm2 | Nov 25, 2004 12:37am | #7

   Can't scan, but here's a description: It's described as a writing cabinet. Looks to be about 1.2m tall, 650mm wide, 250mm deep. Quite rectangular overall, with a fall flap that is supported on two gate legs that hinge out, and which have a lattice-like rectangular pattern of posts and rails. The sides and top are solid one-piece boards, the fall flap has bread-board ends, the interior has the usual cubby holes, but with a typically Macintosh piece of art work as a back panel and with two curved surfaces either side of the panel.

   The inscription says "designed for Hous'hill, Nitshill, Glasgow, 1904"

   I'd say if there's any writing cabinets in your book, that more or less fit the description, date and place above, they're highly likely to be what I'm after.

   Thanks a million, mate!

   Afterthought - may be easier to email me direct. Try malcolm.macpherson[at]codc.govt.nz. Address spelled out to fool the spammers!

    

   Edited 11/24/2004 4:43 pm ET by kiwimac2

1. 
   Malcolm2 | Nov 25, 2004 11:53pm | #8

   Update for anyone watching ... the aussie has emailed me four page scans which identify the location of the piece of furniture and show an early drawing (but not the as-built version, according to the text) and describe it accurately.

   Many thanks, Andrew.

   Looks as tho my conclusion was right - this is intended to be a stand-up writing cabinet, not a sit-down one.

   So we know where this piece of furniture lives, and who is looking after it.

   Now, still searching for a detailed drawing,  I'll go find them!