In the heart of Kyneton, Victoria, nestled away from the hustle and bustle, lies Glen's workshop—a bastion of tradition and authenticity. Upon crossing the threshold, visitors are transported into a realm where craftsmanship reigns supreme, where the echoes of centuries-old techniques resound through every inch of he space.

Here, amidst the scent of aged wood and the comforting sight of time-worn tools, Glen orchestrates his symphony of craftsmanship. Each tool, weathered with the patina of decades past, bears witness to the dedication and artistry that permeates every corner of the workshop. Draw knives, some tracing their lineage back to the 1830s, stand as silent sentinels of a bygone era, while coils of oak and elm embrace the workshop floor, awaiting their transformation into timeless pieces of furniture.

But it's not just the tools that tell the tale of Glen's mastery. It's the painstaking attention to detail, the reverence for tradition, that sets his work apart. From chairs to perches, each piece undergoes a meticulous process, layer upon layer, until it achieves the desired finish—a testament to Glen's unwavering commitment to ‘the art of the handmade’.

Glen's journey towards becoming a maestro of his craft began over three decades ago, as a humble plumber’s apprentice. Yet, it was through a serendipitous pilgrimage to the United States that his true calling revealed itself. Under the tutelage of two esteemed chairmakers—one steeped in tradition, the other pushing the boundaries of contemporary design—Glen honed his skills in the art of American Windsor Chairmaking, a pursuit that would come to define his life's work.

He recalls a moment, “I went to study with master craftsman Curtis Buchanan.” Curtis had so much faith in the power of his work, he once sent his work to a customer who refused to pay until he received the chair. Enchanted by its arrival, the customer paid promptly. Glen says, “I asked him if I could buy some of his blueprints.” Curtis refused to accept any payment, he believed in keeping the artisanal legacy of his trade alive through the free flow of ideas, open source, so he allowed Glen to take whatever he needed.

Glen’s Windsor chairs are best described employing the words of Clarence P. Hornung, they’re chairs of “a delicate balance and harmony".

Since then, Glen has become synonymous with the art of chairmaking, his creations sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs alike, both in his native Australia and beyond. From settees to barstools, each piece bears the hallmarks of Glen's singular vision—a vision rooted in the belief that true craftsmanship transcends mere utility, becoming instead a timeless heirloom to be cherished for generations.

As Glen continues to ply his trade, each commission becomes more than just a piece of furniture; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of craftsmanship. With each bespoke creation, he reaffirms his commitment to crafting not just chairs, but pieces of art— individual, unique, and destined to stand the test of time in a world that often values quantity over quality. In Glen's workshop, the true essence of handmade beauty thrives, a beacon of tradition in a mass-produced world.

Glen extended this passion by initiating the Lost Trades Fair in 2013, which has since been running as an annual event in Bendigo, that showcases artisans from around the world. In the past, metalsmith Seth Gould travelled from the USA to exhibit his fine tool making skills, and traditional cooper George Smithwick hand-carved wooden buckets, a tradition that began in his family sometime in the 18th century. This year, the 180 participants must demonstrate an element of their trade to immerse the punters in the theatre of these age-old examples of human ingenuity.

STORY BY MAHMOOD FAZAL PHOTOS BY CHRI S TURNER

Rundell and Rundell
Chair Maker
rundellandrundell.com.au
@glenrundellchairmaker