JOURNAL
Can a piece of furniture still be considered to be ‘handmade’ when some of its components have been produced by machine?
Whether we’re designing and creating bespoke furniture, a kitchen or a whole house design and fit-out project, it’s a question we’ve often pondered at Saint John.
‘Handmade‘ is often overused when describing furniture or kitchen manufacture, but in a time of highly-sophisticated machinery, what does it really mean?
The lines become blurred, especially with some elements being produced by high-tech machinery; and increasingly CNC technology. But is it still handmade?
We believe it is, undoubtedly.
It echoes what craftsmen and furniture designers have been doing down the centuries; adopting new methods, tools and technology whenever they enhance creativity and efficiency.
Take the simple process of cutting boards; before powered machinery became widespread, a log would be cut with a person either end of a large pit saw – a very slow and labour-intensive process. As powered saws evolved, suddenly cutting boards became far quicker, more accurate and efficient. It’s also true of mouldings and decorative bead, where they would once have been applied by a primitive scratch stock, these are now produced by router or spindle moulder.
Today, the increasing availability and trickle-down effect of industrial technologies have seen a huge increase in their application. Until recently, machines such as CNC were almost exclusively found in factories designed for large-scale, mass manufacturing. Now more widely available and utilised in smaller, high-end bespoke furniture and joinery workshops such as ours, these machines not only help us to be more efficient but open up a huge array of design opportunities.
But one key aspect remains consistent – the effective use of any machine is entirely reliant on the skill of the craftsman; they must set up the tool correctly, use correctly, and most importantly, understand the tool’s limitations and that of the material they’re working with.
This onus on the craftsman will never change. Every tool plays its part, but ultimately, it is the craftsman’s attention to detail, finesse and understanding of the materials, their accuracy of finishing and hand skills, that defines a piece as being handmade. And long may it continue into this century and beyond, with evolving technologies helping traditional craftspeople and designers realise their vision.