Art Nouveau bookcase

Fido3 writes: Apologies for the very long delay in replies, but I've been really distracted of late and forgot about the post.
Thanks very much for all the kind comments. I should hire you all for public relations.

I have only one detail photo, just a close up of the base. I can't seem to post a new photo to the entry (I get an error message), so if you're curious you can find it on my website, www.strotherpurdy.com. The bookcase is under "other pieces.

My first design had a rounded top. The full-size template of the sides, though, looked awful. So I gave it horns instead. I try not to leave sketches of designs with clients for just this reason.

The photo distorts the proportions a bit, making the top look somewhat pinched and smaller than it really is. In person, the top has a lot of upward movement. It was an unexpected effect and a good one. On delivery, the client threw his hands in the air and said "it soars!" But his wife disliked the light color and almost made me take it back to be stained or remade in a darker wood. I made the point that the lightness helped it "soar." He won, so I got paid and went home with an empty truck. His wife eventually learned to like the soft tones of the pear.

I once showed a photo of it to a gallery owner in New York City. His only comment was that the lower portion needed doors. I agreed, then explained my client's wishes, but still came away with singed eyebrows. Glad you guys like it.

The construction is relatively simple. In part to keep costs down (the clients were on a budget), but also to avoid the grain-less look of lamination, all the curves are cut from solid pear. The curved frames are held together by a combination of mortise-and-tenon and floating tenon joints.

The shelves are supported by cantilevered arms. The original locking pins were in hard maple, but they compressed into U shapes and broke after about five years. I retrofitted brass pins and came away with new respect for the weight of books. The top is a thin plywood lamination with shop-sawn veneer. Otherwise the piece is solid pear. It has a Watco oil and wax finish.

Thanks again for the many kind comments.

Strother Purdy
Fido
Posted: 5:22 pm on August 25th

Red_F writes: I'm always impressed with people that can pull off a Art Nouveau piece. This is high quality design. Posted: 12:07 am on August 4th

Ron_C writes: Breath-taking! The graceful fluidity, elegant curves, and perfect proportions attract and delight the eye in a very satisfying way. Form and function in harmony, working together in the same direction rather than competing for dominance. It looks like it belongs in and enhances the room - a perfect fit. The depth of craftsmanship becomes nearly transparent in the effortless beauty of the piece, not unlike the way in which the manual mechanics of a virtuoso violinist go unnoticed in the music. Nothing ornate or outrageous required here. The simple elegance speaks for itself, and speaks volumes. Wow! Posted: 1:23 pm on July 31st

carvewright writes: Interesting and beautiful lines, done with an eye to simplicity of form that does not result in lessened function. A truly outstanding piece, both in design and execution. Bravo! Posted: 1:17 pm on July 31st

AchillEye writes: Functional without fuss. Simple yet extremely elegant. Decoration minimal, beautiful, harmonious and full of character. Ecologically fit (no rain forest material). Design meets brief and looks wonderful in that room. Perfectly proportioned. Beautifully built and finished.

A very deep piece, and hands down winner as far as I'm concerned. I'd be immensely proud if that was my own work. Congratulations. Posted: 11:01 am on July 31st

Lincolnman writes: Gets my vote. Traditional, yet creative. Workmanship beautiful. Great job.

Posted: 9:48 am on July 31st

mccarthyjp writes: I'm a function before form then bring looks in AFTER a functional design is achieved. That's why I vote for this bookcase, looks good, works great! Posted: 9:40 am on July 31st

cooperdog writes: simply beautiful, more pics and details please. Posted: 8:08 am on July 31st

gbear1 writes: Awesome...I too would love to see and hear more about this piece. Posted: 6:04 pm on July 30th

buzzell writes: That is very cool. I love the lines on it. I'd say your client needs a matching secretary... Posted: 10:10 am on July 22nd

WhitePineLane writes: I agree with everyone - absolutely stunning, and I'd love to see more pictures! Posted: 9:06 am on July 22nd

blueberry1 writes: Beautiful lines! I love the flow of the side panels. Posted: 3:04 pm on July 10th

rich99 writes: Pear?!

Stunning.

More pix!

thanx. Posted: 8:47 am on July 8th

Jurgen01 writes: A perfect art deco piece. What inspired this design? How much direction did you receive from the client? I, too, would like to see additional photographs, if that is possible. The photograph posted suggests beautiful craftsmanship.

A great piece! Thanks. Posted: 12:13 pm on July 5th

Beckum writes: Very nice! The line and form are very pleasing to the eye. Could you post some more pictures showing off the details?

Keep up the good work ! ! !

Bill Posted: 9:57 am on July 1st