Ballinaclash, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.


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The Dalkey Book Awards

In 2019 we were commissioned to design and make awards for the Dalkey Literary Awards. The theme chosen was based on the layers of a story. These were represented by different species of Irish hardwoods. Each recipient was given a detailed profile of each of the timbers used included Yew, Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Ash, Douglas Fir and Sweet Chestnut. We have made the same awards each year since.

Toymek Grinder

Created for the Tormek Makers' Exhibition in Sweden this toy version of the Tormek T8 Grinding machine was made out of a range of Irish hardwoods including walnut, elm, field maple and figured ash. Every part of the model works to simulate the experience of hand sharpening tools.

Modernist Speaker Stands

The client wanted stands designed to match their speakers but also to fit in with their modernist house. We designed these based on 1950 Hans Wagner arm chairs to give the feeling the speakers were relaxing back while at the same time projecting the sound into the correct areas of the room. These were created in walnut and given a Danish Oil finish. We also produced a partition for their G-Plan dresser so it could accommodate their record collection. 

Speaker Hoods

These speaker hoods were designed to fit two high-end speakers. The client wanted a creation that would add warmth and personality to the speakers. A mix of Irish hardwoods were used including elm, oak, beech, ash, walnut, cedar, Douglas fir.

Speaker Stand

Mobile stands designed for heavy, custom-made speakers. The design was to echo the shape and feel of the speakers but also bring a natural touch to the plastic finish of the speaker. The hollow inner is filled with sound-dampening insulation with inset holes to accept the feet of the speakers.

Dovetail Draw Set

This small drawer unit was designed to sit flush on the client's bookshelf. The carcass is made from Irish Elm with hand-cut dovetails. The drawers are in in Irish ash with finger-joint corners with a fiddleback ash veneer fronts. Each drawer is lined in brown velvet with a turned pulls made from the same elm.

Bronco McLoughlin's Bust Plinth

This plinth was designed to display the bust of the famous stuntman, Bronco McLoughlin, to be displayed in Pinewood Studios. The bust was created by the very talented sculptor Ellie Mcnamara. It was joined with mortice and tenon joints in sapele with an oil finish with he brass plate inset.

Hall Stand with Umbrella Rack

For this commission the client wanted a hall-stand designed to fit an exact space, it had to be strong to accommodate energetic children, while at the same time looking elegant. There had to be storage for shoes and a built in umbrella stand. We offered the client a number of options and this design in American Walnut came through. It is extremely strong and sturdy. The hardware was is in oiled cast iron to complement the walnut.

Model Curragh Display Case

The beautiful story behind this wonderful model curragh made this project an absolute pleasure. The brief was to design a display case that would show the model off but also allow the owner to have access to remove the model. The case is made of solid walnut and with maple feet and corner splines. There is an inner frame that protects the original letter.  

Jewellery Box

The jewellery box was create in birch ply for stability and was veneered in burred walnut and avodire with the corner edging and lipping in solid walnut. The inner tray as designed as a piston fit, meaning the tray will drop slowly to its resting place on the cushion of air released evenly on all sides. The box was lined in brown felt and the hinges are hand made in the USA. The box rests on four turned walnut feet to give the box the illusion it's floating.

Ring Boxes

Ring boxes designed and made for My Irish Jeweler (www.myirishjeweler.com). These are produced in batches of 50 all handmade in Irish hardwood. These are made from sweet chestnut and elm. The inner fabric is a natural, handwoven cotton. 

Walnut Star Veneered Atomic 50s Side Table

This table top was designed to update an existing formica version from the 1950s. The design features a solid walnut base, with a double angle chamfer. For the surface there is a star veneer in walnut created the appearance of a solid top. The original atomic legs were cleaned and reattached with brass screws.

Hand Cut Dovetail Map Box

This box was designed to store the Ordnance Survey and East West Mapping maps. It was made out of Western Cedar with hand-cut dovetails. Not an easy task in wood so soft. A veneer was cut from the sides to form a mitred lip around the top, hiding the corner joins and divider slots with neat mitres.

We provide a full design service to get your initial ideas from concept to the production stage. When the design is finalised the piece will be handcrafed in our workshop to the highest standard.



To find out how we can create your special piece simply call us on 0404 43808 or email tony@woodlea.ie

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