Wood
Filmed over five days, this film reveals the complex, time-consuming processes involved in creating a Windsor chair, made by Jim Steele in his Warwickshire workshop.
As part of 大象传媒 Four Goes Slow, this programme follows the slow and painstaking process of making a classic Windsor chair.
A beautifully simple object, it is in fact anything but. Filmed over five days, the film reveals the complex, time-consuming processes involved in creating the chair, made by Jim Steele in his Warwickshire workshop.
This traditional design features woods chosen for their different qualities - ash, elm and hard-to-source yew.
Jim makes just 12 such chairs each year, using traditional techniques and aided by few modern tools. There are just two screws in the finished chair. From the steam bending of the back to the turning of spindles, the carving of the seat to the planing of the arms, it's a remarkable process to observe.
The bold style of the film, making use of long, static shots with no music or commentary allows the viewer to admire in exquisite detail the painstaking craftsmanship.
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The ergonomic design of the Windsor is a welcome challenge to chairmaker Jim Steele.
Clips
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Why is the design of a Windsor chair such a challenge?
Duration: 02:00
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What鈥檚 the secret to steam-bending wood?
Duration: 03:00
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Chairmaker Jim Steele, works with the grain
Duration: 05:14
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Participant | Jim Steele |
| Executive Producer | Richard Bright |
| Director | Ian Denyer |
Broadcasts
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Handmade
Series filmed without voiceover or music so the focus is entirely on the craft process.
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大象传媒 Four Goes Slow
Slow down the pace, sit back, relax and enjoy.
Three master makers reflect on the challenges and rewards of their crafts
Take a quiet, unhurried look at the philosophy of each master craftsman.
Director Ian Denyer on making Slow Television
鈥淭he brief was brief: no words, no music, long, very long held shots.鈥�