Kennet Chair

Sam Whyman

A considered, technical chair: the Kennet’s frame is built with the same traditional techniques used to make barn and cottage roofs. Here, furniture designer and maker Sam Whyman has adapted those techniques on a smaller, finer scale, while still leaving the joinery incredibly strong and durable.

The generous curved seat boards and backrest are made through steam-bending – another centuries-old technique where the wood is heated in a steam chamber to make it flexible, before bending around a form. As the wood cools and dries it ‘sets’ into the new curved form, to be further shaped with machine and hand tools.

The seat and backrest are shaped primarily with hand tools – planes and spokeshaves – to achieve the smooth, comfortable curves. Sam achieves the texture on the backrest using a shi-ho-sori kanna – a specialist Japanese compass plane.

Each edition is handmade and will have its own unique variations. The size can be adapted to suit client use – please contact to discuss requirements. Also available in a blackened finish.

The Kennet chair can be left out all year, but for the longest lifespan and best condition Sam suggests keeping it out of the worst of the winter weather to keep the timber dry, or covering it.

Over time the timber will silver off and take on a lovely oak patina. Small shakes and tiny cracks may appear as the timber weathers in – this is to be expected and part of the charm of outdoor timber furniture.

For best results the oil finish should be reapplied annually to offer the oak some protection. Sam recommends Bona Outdoor Oil. Professional refinishing and maintenance is offered by Sam’s company, Whyman Furniture – please enquire for further information.