Step into the extraordinary world of elite furniture design with "The Intelligent Hand" by David Binnington Savage, an intimate journey through the life and methods of one of Britain's most accomplished furniture makers. This remarkable 304-page volume offers unprecedented access to the mind of a master craftsman who creates commissioned pieces for clients worldwide at the highest echelons of woodworking excellence.
Key Details:
- Author: David Binnington Savage
- Format: Hardbound with cloth cover and #100 dustjacket
- Dimensions: 8-1/2" x 11"
- Pages: 304
- Production: Sewn binding, #80 matte coated paper, printed entirely in USA
Content Highlights:
- Personal memoir of overcoming adversity—from childhood stammering to business bankruptcy
- Practical guidance on essential tools, workbench construction, and dovetail techniques
- Innovative design philosophy that breaks conventional boundaries
- Complete documentation of a desk and chair project designed specifically for the author's wife
- Business insights for professional furniture makers serving high-end clients
Unique Features:
- Written during the author's battle with cancer, bringing profound depth and urgency
- Beautiful photography and drawings spanning the author's distinguished career
- Practical advice on developing client relationships and pricing commissioned work
- Drawing and design exercises that train your eye to move beyond conventional forms
- Balances inspirational storytelling with actionable workshop techniques
This extraordinary book functions on multiple levels—offering beginners a roadmap to technical proficiency, giving intermediate woodworkers a masterclass in design thinking, and providing professionals with strategic business guidance. Savage's distinctive voice—alternately witty, philosophical, and pragmatic—creates a reading experience as unique as his furniture designs.
From specific techniques like smudging ink drawings with spit to create shadows, to broader challenges like confidently stating "that will cost 20,000 pounds," this comprehensive volume captures the essence of what makes high-end custom furniture creation both an artistic pursuit and a viable profession.
"The Intelligent Hand" represents not just a woodworking guide, but a testament to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence against all odds. Add this visually stunning and intellectually stimulating work to your collection and gain invaluable insights from one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary furniture design.
