Tavern Stool

28 in. x 15 in. x 18½ in. (h)
Red Oak

The seat and sides of this piece have a maximum finished thickness of almost two inches. The seat itself is fabricated from four boards joined edge to edge to increase the stability of the material. The seat is comfortable and the smooth contoured surface is pleasantly shaped with no hard edges. The sides of the stool are also carefully shaped, so that the stool stands upon four feet which are the heaviest part of the sides. The exterior of the sides are reduced in thickness as they extend upwards in a shallow hollow curve.

The construction of this piece is typical of medieval work. The sides pierce the seat through raked mortises with wedged tenons. The rails at the top and bottom have tusked tenons which pass through the sides and are finished with simple chamfers. All the jointing is glued, however the actual assembly of this piece was particularly difficult because of the raked sides.

The stool is very strongly made and the weight of the piece is considerable. The stout dimensions of the component parts are at first not fully recognised because of their subtle shaping. The joinery is carefully and accurately made. The repetition of the protruding tenons and the rhythm of the pattern of end grain filling the mortises in the surface of the seat, all contribute to the visual interest typical of Peter Leonard Bailey's work.

The natural colour of the oak is not disguised with any stain. It is finished with a rubbed oil coating to provide a low lustre. Over the years the woodwork will darken a little as it takes on the patina of use.

There is a small carved newt applied to the underside of the seat. It is there to identify the maker.

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