Custom furniture making represents a combination of artistry and utility, a marriage of minds between furniture designer and client. E. Ashley Rooney explores the creative process and its results in Bespoke: Furniture From 101 International Artists.
In the book, Rooney profiles 101 makers of bespoke, or custom, furniture and shares photos of their work. The pieces exemplify a range of influences and styles, from Colonial to contemporary, but all share an uncommon artistry that balances function with form.
Rooney also offers guidance on working with a furniture artist to help people who want to commission their own works of utilitarian art.
Bespoke is published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. (www.schifferbooks.com) and sells for $50 in hardcover.
— Mary Beth Breckenridge
