Chairs That Speak
Chairs That Speak is a project focused on telling the stories behind our heritage furniture. Creating completely reversible installations on the furniture pieces themselves, Layla creates whimsical scenes communicating narratives that might otherwise remain hidden or overlooked. Using traditional furniture making techniques such as carving, marquetry and traditional upholstery, and inspired by stage sets, these installations are made to intrigue.
The 19th Century Mahogany Chair
This beautiful chair was made during the 19th century in Ireland and features delicate oak leaf carving on its crest rail. Oak trees have a significant place in folklore and mythology in Ireland, however this chair despite its imagery was made in mahogany. Why?
In the 17th century Ireland saw a huge deforestation effort of its native oak woodlands to make way for farmlands and to improve security around homes. This meant that by the time this chair was made, oak would have been less available and it was made from imported mahogany instead. This installation shows the mahogany being imported across an upholstery sea to Ireland, where a woodcutter stands next to the last oak tree. It is a commentary on the irony of how we treat natural resources when they are not deemed useful to us.
The Folding Rocking Chair
coming soon...