“Dragonfly” rocker detail
cherry, red oak
Learn more about Brian
- About
Brian Millspaw is a wood artist and professional furniture maker with a career spanning 28 years. He is currently the sample maker/product development engineer at Fancher Chair Company, where he designs for manufacturability, creates 3d models, and builds and tests prototypes of new chairs.
Previously, Brian spent 5 years as a hand carver in a woodcarving factory creating master models of traditional designs. These models were used to run manual carving duplicators and program CNC carving machines. Millspaw also ran his own wood studio for a number of years. Creating everything from turned wood sculptures to public art projects and modern interpretations of classic furniture styles. He is now mostly focused on seating. In particular elevating the design of Windsor type chairs. Brian was the recipient of a 2024 NYSCA support for artists grant, which he used to launch the project “Innovation from Tradition. A modern interpretation of Jamestown, NY’s furniture making legacy.”
- Region
- Westfield, NY
- Website
- www.millspaw.com
- Media
- Instagram @millspaw_furniture_design
- Professional Status
- Furniture maker, product development
Portfolio
"Trillium" table and stools
cherry / 2014This café table and stools is an exploration of 3 legged forms. Made for the “InnovationErie” product design contest in 2014, it was a semi finalist.
Innovation from tradition show 2
cherry, ash / 2024This is my “Claire” dining set. The side chairs are pretty traditional Windsors, except the leg joints are all blind and flush. The spindles are carved domes where they penetrate the bow for a little texture. natural finish with Fiddes’ hard oil wax.
"Dragonfly" rocker detail
cherry, red oak
continuous arm rocker
walnut, red oak
Innovation from tradition show 1
walnut, red oak / 2024Pictured is my signature continuous arm chair. The spindles and bow are riven oak and steam bent. an innovative technique for joining the legs and seat allow for no stretchers while retaining full strength. Finished with aniline dye and wiping poly.
"Trillium" high back stools
cherry, wenge / 2014This extension of the “Trillium” stool design features a two piece back, “stitched” together with Wenge keys.