In a desire to use what would normally be deemed unsuitable for high end, bespoke furniture production, Bertram Whitford has created a majestic and unique drinks cabinet that draws upon traditional techniques of cabinet making, designed in his idiosyncratic style. Inspired by the Lyctus beetle and created to make something beautiful from what would otherwise be regarded as a disparaged piece of timber, this cabinet embodies the singular and remarkable nature of one-off pieces of furniture. A natural hoarder and one who hates to see waste in any form, Bertram Whitford - a teacher turned designer-maker - decided to celebrate rather than curse the unwelcome intrusion of this beast in the sapwood of some carefully selected London plane boards. Planing the wood down just enough allowed the beetle’s travels through the timber to be revealed; these pathways were filled with liquid copper to highlight its exodus. A speculative cabinet made to house glassware and drinks, this piece uses the raw, live edge of timber to stunning effect, combining it with laminated, curved lower shelving in aspen, with solid copper supports. The tambour has a sleek copper pull which mirrors the contours of the wood. Rising up, it disappears within the cabinet to reveal adjustable London Plane shelves. The holes were made by the beetle’s exit; it shall not return. The timber was also carefully treated against further infestation. Made in London plane, aspen and copper.
In a desire to use what would normally be deemed unsuitable for high end, bespoke furniture production, Bertram Whitford has created a majestic and unique drinks cabinet that draws upon traditional techniques of cabinet making, designed in his idiosyncratic style.
Inspired by the Lyctus beetle and created to make something beautiful from what would otherwise be regarded as a disparaged piece of timber, this cabinet embodies the singular and remarkable nature of one-off pieces of furniture.
A natural hoarder and one who hates to see waste in any form, Bertram Whitford - a teacher turned designer-maker - decided to celebrate rather than curse the unwelcome intrusion of this beast in the sapwood of some carefully selected London plane boards. Planing the wood down just enough allowed the beetle’s travels through the timber to be revealed; these pathways were filled with liquid copper to highlight its exodus.
A speculative cabinet made to house glassware and drinks, this piece uses the raw, live edge of timber to stunning effect, combining it with laminated, curved lower shelving in aspen, with solid copper supports. The tambour has a sleek copper pull which mirrors the contours of the wood. Rising up, it disappears within the cabinet to reveal adjustable London Plane shelves.
The holes were made by the beetle’s exit; it shall not return. The timber was also carefully treated against further infestation.
Made in London plane, aspen and copper.
