Spotlight on Murano
September 17, 2019
Edward sees this process as a way:
‘to manipulate the grain of the wood as an artist would
manipulate paint with a brush’.
Edward Johnson’s work is the product of a deep understanding of his materials and the desire to explore its possibilities. His creative approach allows him to think outside of the box and push the boundaries of his materials.
Edward’s designs are often conceptually based, but with form and function always at the fore. He perceives both beauty and usefulness in equal parts when designing and developing his ideas into thought-provoking, fluid and tactile forms. One of his principal aims is to challenge our understanding of what is possible, which he achieves through creative aptitude and his mastered ability to engineer in wood.
Here we throw the spotlight onto his Murano technique.
Murano Collection
The Murano Collection was originally inspired by a visit to the island of Murano, where Venetian master craftsmen have been producing glassware for centuries, by floating layers of different coloured glass through one another to produce exquisite patterns.
Our Murano veneers have been developed and perfected in our workshop and are all made in-house. They have been adapted to form wavy, radial and straight designs. Each veneer uses contrasting timbers to add texture or to create a blended effect. The various patterns result in carefully matched sweeping lines and curves that engulf the entire surface of the furniture.
This collection again stems from Edward’s interest and expertise in laminating. This time his aim was to develop an organic free-flowing form reminiscent of Venetian glass. To create this effect, hundreds of thin strips of wood are cut in the workshop and reconfigured, resulting in sweeping lines and curves bringing soft and organic patterns to the angular forms.
The Murano veneers can be constructed in a wide range and combination of timbers and applied to almost any of our designs.
Read more about Edward’s ‘Family Tree’ concept that adds an extra dimension and personalises our Murano commissions.
‘Radiant’ chest of drawers
The Radiant chest of drawers is made from fumed oak, brown oak, oak, olive ash and ash.
Dimensions: 110cm (w) x 85cm (h) x 42cm (d).
Read more here.
‘Radiant’ desk
The Radiant desk is made from fumed oak and brown oak.
Dimensions: 198cm (w) x 75cm (h) x 75cm (d).
Read more here.
The Radiant desk was awarded a prestigious Bespoke Guild Mark in 2019 (Guild Mark No. 475).
‘Family Tree’ heirloom box
The Family Tree heirloom box shown in elm and fumed oak.
Dimensions: 38cm (w) x 15cm (h) x 23.5cm (d).
Read more here.
‘Squaring the Circle’ jewellery box
The Squaring the Circle jewellery box is made from elm and maple.
Dimensions: 18cm (w) x 19cm (h) x 18cm (d).
Read more here.
‘Patchwork’ sewing desk
The Patchwork sewing desk is made from oak, brown oak and fumed oak.
Dimensions: 170cm – extending to 230cm (w) x 78cm (h) x 65cm – extending to 130cm (d).
Read more here.
‘Murano’ sideboard
The Murano sideboard is made from ash, olive ash, fumed oak and brown oak.
Dimensions: 186cm (w) x 116 (h) x 48cm (d).
Read more here.
‘Centrum I’ chest of drawers
The Centrum chest of drawers is made from walnut with an oak starburst and oak interior.
Dimensions: 65cm (w) x 59cm (h) x 47cm (d).
Read more here.
‘Centrum II’ chest
The Centrum chest is made from oak, brown oak, scorched oak and cedar.
Dimensions: 180cm (w) x 57.5cm (h) x 50cm (d).
Read more here.
‘Murano Cento’ dining table
The Murano Cento extending dining table is made from walnut with brushed brass effect legs.
Dimensions: 75cm (h) x 110cm (d) x 240cm extending to 410cm (l).
Read more here.
