Custom Walnut Trestle Dining Table & Sculptural Chair Set by Richard Rothbard

We are proud to offer this exceptional piece of American Studio Craft history by acclaimed woodworker and artist Richard Rothbard. A one-of-a-kind, book-matched walnut slab dining table with a suite of four sculptural walnut + rush chairs. I
 
n 1967, Rothbard opened his first studio and showroom, Impressions in Wood, on Lexington Ave in New York City. Together, with a couple of other creative woodworkers -- including Gino Russo, who apprenticed under George Nakashima for 14 years -- he made fine quality, one-of-a-kind wood furniture and accessories.
 
The table top features two book-matched walnut slabs connected by a string of contrasting bow tie inlays. There is a trestle base -- a nod to Nakashima's iconic trestle table -- and two additional asymmetrical leaves, which easily insert into either side to gain additional seating space. The chairs are simply fantastic. The hand-carved cantilever bases showcase the organic curves and variations in the woodgrain, evoking the roots and bases of the trees from which they were sourced. The hand-woven rush seat backs make this set an absolutely one-of-a-kind piece of art. Exceptionally designed and crafted by a true artist.
 
This dining set was custom made for Rothbard's clients in 1975 at his studio, Impressions in Wood, located on Third Avenue in New York. Rothbard was given complete creative freedom to design this set to his liking and it took two months to make, from start to finish. The dining set comes with the original invoice from 1975 and the original An American Craftsman design pamphlet, as well as an accompanying article from The New York Times ("Furniture of Natural Wood: It's a Sight for Sore City Eyes", by Harriet Heyman, September 8, 1975). The set has remained with the original owner since its completion and is now ready to find its new home.
 
Excerpt from the above mentioned article: "I want a fine finished product, a finely executed piece that stands above everything else,” [Rothbard] said, noting that he seeks to combine esthetics and technical skill. As for the attributes that attract people to his work, Mr. Rothbard had this to say: “The originality, the quality.... The pieces I've made over the last seven years can only become more valuable."
 
 
RICHARD ROTHBARD: Rothbard first began making sculptured furniture and wood accessories in 1967 with a couple of creative woodworkers in a small Manhattan workshop. Later that year he opened Impressions in Wood, one of the first fine craft galleries in NYC, selling one-of-a-kind furniture and fine accessories. The main concern of his business was custom‐made hardwood furniture and gifts that were "expertly, often exquisitely, crafted." In 1976, Richard & his wife Joanna closed the gallery, moved to the country and began exhibiting Richard’s popular and quirky wooden boxes around the country. Boxology is still an important part of Richard’s life and can be found today in his An American Craftsman Galleries.
 
The First Event: Salon de Refuse In 1980, on behalf of the hundreds of artists who were refused admission to exhibit in the exclusive Rhinebeck Craft Show, Richard started a new show in a gutsy and disruptive move that challenged the American Craft Council. It proved enormously successful and ran for thirteen years. It was the catalyst for the founding of Rothbard's company, American Art Marketing, in 1982. American Art Marketing and its affiliate An American Craftsman Galleries continues to bring the new generations of artists into the community with its galleries and exciting and modern events that showcase the top artists across the US & Canada.
 
 
DIMENSIONS:
Table (with leaves): 87 L x 50 W (at widest) x 29 H inches
Table (without leaves): 54.5 L x 50 W (at widest) x 29 H inches
Asymmetrical leaves: 16.5 L x 38.5 W (45 W at widest) inches
Chairs: 32 H x 20 W x 18 D inches
Seat Height: 17.25 H inches
 
*Note: Since this is a hand-carved set, there are natural subtle variations in the measurements of each piece.
 
 
CONDITION: Excellent vintage condition. Minimal wear commensurate with age and use. Sourced from the original owners. Sold as a set only, as the artist intended (set includes the single table, two leaves, and four chairs).
 
*Note: Natural imperfections in the wood -- such as knots, cavities, and subtle blemishes -- should be expected as they are a characteristic of real wood furniture and are a part of the history of a given tree.