Making a Brettstuhl or Board Chair with Charles Thompson Sawtooth School for Visual Art
In this workshop, participants will examine an Alpine vernacular chair, the brettstuhl or stabelle. The form calls for equal parts whimsy and technical process. It’s composed of two thin boards joined by long through tenons with locking tusks, sliding dovetails, and cylindrical leg tenons. At the same time, it’s often decorated with hearts, carved names, symbols, and eccentric silhouettes. It calls for play! We’ll use traditional techniques and joinery to construct our own iterations. While relying on traditional concepts, we’ll also try to leverage them into something new. While we won’t explore pattern carving in this class, participants will be encouraged to play with form and shapes by designing their own backs, seats, and pierced shapes. Prior woodworking experience is not required, but will be helpful. Scholarships are available. Reach out to Josie Vogel at Wood@sawtooth.org with any questions.