Art-Nouveau

BAR and BACK BAR SHELVING in "ART-NOUVEAU STYLE"
made in solid PEARWOOD with pewter bar top,
mirror behind the bar engraved by sandblasting
and traditionally-made silver plating

As makers of various models in different styles (the oldest being in Art-Deco style) we were keen to create a bar that on the one hand would not be a replica but of original design. On the other hand it would be the one-time missing link of the 20th Century, i.e. an Art-Nouveau bar allowing great freedom in design.

We use pear wood, firstly in recognition of the work of H. GUIMARD, who used it for his furniture. The fine grain enhances the polishing beautifully.

Finding quality sections of wood (pear tree), both on the structural and seasoning levels. Stabilising the polished sections (a year-long work) in regard to wood deformation due to gluing together large volumes.

After the design plan and the elevation drawing have been done, a clay model is needed in order to estimate the required masses. Then a lime tree bar-and-shelving-prototype will be produced as well as templates for the proportional parts, where fluidity in the joins (characteristic of this style) needs to be preserved.

Gluing is tricky as there are no flat surfaces, considering the "sculpture in the round" type of structure.

Not much machine work is needed, even on doors.

In regard to the carving, and contrary to the very elaborate pieces of older styles, difficulty lies in getting direct-size equivalent parts in the main fluent lines, as long curves will not be affected by chips and snags.

A smooth natural finish also requires constant attention, in order to get a good contrast of lights and highlights.

As far as mirrors are concerned, the glass should be thick with large curved cuttings and chips are bevelled manually.
Seven routines used for sandblasting, with an antique-effect applied on the silver plating, which require low temperatures hard to find in June!