Angus Ross
Furniture maker
Aberfeldy, United Kingdom
The woodlander
- Angus fell in love with making as a child
- The time he spent volunteering in Africa has informed his work
- He is the co-owner of 55 acres of woodland
When Angus Ross was first working in wood, he decided to make a travelling chest for his wife, Lorna, who was a community midwife. It stored a collection of aromatherapy oils and had a central section with two lidded drawers that could be taken to home births. “I had a book of Witch Doctor masks from Africa, which had a sense of mystery and magical healing powers. The shape and proportions of the cabinet were directly influenced by those masks. I also liked the fact it was for a specific person and a specific function,” he says. Creating a narrative based around a person, place and function is still central to his designs. He is passionate about combining ancient techniques with traditional cabinetmaking, and sustainability is central to his ethos.
INTERVIEW
I trained in industrial design and then worked as a designer for a company producing mass-market, plastic products. Even before the downsides of plastic were recognised, I had become demoralised. I realised it was possible to make beautiful objects in wood with comparatively small start-up costs.
Finding a narrative when exploring the design process, whether that is to reflect a certain person or a specific place. The making process frequently throws up new possibilities, such as a half-spiral around a bench leading to a full spiral to provide the structure of the bench.
Controlled steam-bending. This is an ancient technique, but one that I enjoy pushing a little further, bending it more tightly and more evenly in interesting forms. I am fascinated by the sense of movement, both actual and implied.
I love the fact it is so linked. The ancient trees I fell are rugged, twisted and characterful. I fell a few each year, slice them, dry them and transform them into furniture. Felling trees brings light onto the woodland floor and in turn improves biodiversity.
Angus Ross
Furniture maker
Aberfeldy, United Kingdom
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+44 1887829857
LANGUAGES
English
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