Chairmaker, designer, woodworker, artisan, instructor and craftsman.

 

When people step into Glen's workshop there is a sense of tradition, authenticity and the feeling that you have entered a place that you will find true, honest, craftsmanship.

 

Traditional tools that have the patina that is only achieved because they have been in use for decades (some of Glen's draw knives that he uses date back to the 1830's), beautiful coils of oak and walnut cover the workshop floor, chairs and perches stand whilst their painted and oiled finishes dry.  A rocking chair, perfectly balanced, will be initialled and stamped with the name and birth date of the new baby it has been crafted for.  Cabinets and shelves are filled with spoke shaves, drawer knives, hand planes and chisels - it is all about the tools, and on his workshops he teaches others to use and appreciate hand tools and a slower way of making something functional, timeless and beautiful. 

 

Glen has had over three decades experience in pursuing the 'art of handmade'. He started out as a plumbers apprentice over 30 years ago - back when you actually learned the skills of tinsmithing and metal fabrication in copper and lead. Fast forward through various other hands on careers and jobs, Glen travelled to the US to learn the art of American Windsor Chairmaking; training with two of the the best chairmakers in America, one traditional and one contemporary.  

 

Glen's focussed approach has earned him the reputation as one of the countries most sought after chairmakers. His chairs, settees, barstools and beautifully crafted rocking chairs are commissioned by private collectors, businesses, designers, stylists and discerning buyers both in Australia and overseas. His clients understand these chairs will out-live them and are an investment, an heirloom piece that will be passed down through generations to come. 

 

Glen works and teaches from his workshop in Tylden, in Victoria's Macedon Ranges and travels to teach interstate and internationally. His time abroad in has taught him how important it is to pass his knowledge onto others. Glen's workshop classes are small - but each person takes home a beautiful handcrafted, heirloom quality chair  at the end of the workshop. Some say that it has been the hardest they have worked, others say that it is their proudest achievement, for everyone, they appreciated the time, the sweat and the skill it takes to make something truly hand made, something they will have forever.  

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Glen takes commissions for chairs, stools and settees. Each piece is is made with careful consultation with the client, it is after all a bespoke item; it is as individual and unique as the person it is being made for; made by hand, made to be enjoyed and made to last. 

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Glen is also Patron of the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades in Ballarat and co-founder of the Lost Trades Fair. 

 

Glen is contactable via email: glenalan@me.com     IG: @glenrundellchairmaker