Douglas Snelling Inspired Chair and Stool Making Workshop

Woodwork and Upholstery

The Douglas Snelling 'Low Chair and Stool' is a true Australian mid-century icon. It was designed by Snelling and made by Functional Products Pty Ltd in St Peters. The 'Snelling Line' was Australia's first popular, mass-produced range of furniture sold widely through the major department stores from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s.

In this course, you’ll learn how to make a chair and matching stool in the style of this historic design in Marrickville, a short distance away from the original workshop, under the instruction of an experienced cabinetmaker. Across the 4-day workshop you will construct a chair and stool of your own using beautiful, locally sourced, reclaimed Australian hardwood and weave the webbing in a colour of your choice.

We also offer two other versions of the course where students craft either the iconic chair (3-day) or the matching footstool (2-day) if the 4-day version doesn't fit your schedule.

This course is a great choice for those looking to expand their woodworking skills, get into making iconic and comfortable furniture, or challenge themselves a bit more and take their woodworking to the next level.

In this four-day course students will make and construct the Snelling-style low chair and matching stool.

4 × 8 hour sessions
$ 1799 per person
Open to students 18 and over
Course includes moderate physical exertion

  • Description text goes hereKnowledge and general safety in the workshop

    • You will learn how to use a range of woodworking machinery

    • You will learn how to use a bandsaw to cut components

    • You will learn how to use a hand plane and spoke shave to shape parts

    • You will learn how to use a domino machine to attach the parts

    • You will sand and finish the parts

    • You will learn how to attach the webbing for the chair and stool

  • -An appreciation of the value of second-hand timber.

    - An understanding of the structural properties of timber and timber joinery.

    - The knowledge to safely and effectively use a variety of traditional hand tools and modern-day power tools.

    - An understanding of different woodworking glues and finishes.

    - Introduction to woodworking terminology.

    - Use of a number of woodworking devices and jigs.

    -Knowledge and practice attaching webbing to furniture

    - Your own comfortable and iconic Douglas Snelling-style Low Chair and Stool.

    - The confidence to start your own projects at home.

  • This workshop is aimed at people with no experience with woodwork and who is looking for an introduction to the craft. It is open to anyone 18 years and over. The course is run using entirely hand tools so you need to be aware that there is an element of physicality involved and most of the work is carried out standing up.

  • You are encouraged to bring your own facemask, protective eyewear and ear protection however sanitised Personal Protective Equipment will be available to use. Any borrowed PPE needs to be sanitised after use.

    You are required to wear closed-toe shoes.

    Please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust will be present).

    Long hair needs to be tied back and no loose hanging jewellery should be worn.