Alan Turner designs and builds heirloom-quality, solid-wood furniture in a broad range of styles. Each piece is custom designed, incorporating a client’s personal preferences, the piece’s expected function in the client’s home or office, and Alan’s own unique aesthetic.
Alan’s work is influenced by styles and designers as diverse as the Queen Anne period of the 18th century, the 19th-century Shakers, the mid-20th century modernists and the contemporary studio furniture movement. An example of this diversity can be seen in the two tables pictured to the left. Although quite similar in dimension and function, and sharing certain stylistic elements such as cabriole legs and mahogany aprons and legs, they are otherwise quite distinct.
The table on the left, while not a period piece or reproduction, clearly looks back to the 18th century with its traditional knee blocks and slipper feet, delicate lacewood top and dyed-mahogany aprons. The table on the right, however, is a more active and modern-looking piece. The cabriole legs appear more nimble, less “planted,” and the curly maple top (made of a single plank) has been water dyed to accentuate the highly figured grain. The base has been colored slightly to complement the lighter top. (More detailed photos and descriptions of both tables can be found in the Portfolio.)
Less formal than either of the above two tables, the garden bench in the bottom photograph is made of solid Spanish cedar. Designed to withstand the elements (indoors and out!), this bench is both welcoming and comfortable. It is equally at home in the garden, an entry hall or a four-season room.
Although Alan usually designs and builds his furniture from start to finish, he also enjoys giving new life to existing pieces. He gains great satisfaction in taking a charming but otherwise non-functional piece, and creating something that is both useful and beautiful.
Alan’s work offers a sharp counterpoint to today’s world of disposable products. Each piece is built to last. He employs traditional joinery techniques, ensuring that his furniture can withstand generations of loving — if not always tender! — use. Joints are designed with durability in mind, and are carefully cut with hand tools and assembled one at a time. The end result is a piece of furniture that is visually appealing, fully functional and guaranteed for the lifetime of the maker.
The following pages contain images of some of Alan’s work, offering an overview of his furniture design and making interests and experience. Please enjoy the photographs and information, and feel free to contact Alan directly regarding your particular needs or potential designs.