the carpenters workshop gallery in london exhibits new pieces created by wendell castle especially for the event. a collection of six unique and limited edition items are derived from the traditional idea that chairs are put against a wall when not in use. as a rebellion against this way of thinking, the sculptural forms visually ground themselves in place, refusing to be shoved against any surface. 

wendell castle at carpenters workshop gallery ‘seventh night’ image © jon lam, courtesy of friedman benda and wendell castle 

 

 

the chairs are made of either stained ash or walnut wood are completed with an oil finish, accentuating the curves and sculptural quality of his work. ‘the expression ‘best foot forward’ comes from the practice used in earlier times of keeping chairs that were not in use against the wall. therefore, the front leg had all the decorative carving and the back leg was plain. in this body of work i have given careful thought to the leg and made it unusually prominent, or the opposite of no legs at all.‘ – wendell castle 

 

the exhibition will run at the carpenters workshop gallery, london from november 4, 2011 – january 7, 2012

wendell castle at carpenters workshop gallery ‘night unveils’  image © jon lam, courtesy of friedman benda and wendell castle 

 

wendell castle at carpenters workshop gallery ‘time passing’  image © jon lam, courtesy of friedman benda and wendell castle

wendell castle at carpenters workshop gallery ‘saving grace’ image © jon lam, courtesy of friedman benda and wendell castle 

 

wendell castle at carpenters workshop gallery ‘holey nite’ image © jon lam, courtesy of friedman benda and wendell castle