Craftsman Of Traditional Irish Sugan Chairs

By Author: john Dowling
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John Dowling who hails from Listowel, a traditional market town in County Kerry is one of the few master craftsmen in Ireland who specialises in the craft of making traditional Sugan furniture. He is a man who is very familiar with all aspects of wood from planting, harvesting, milling and finally carpentry.

John grew up with a love and talent for wood working and well remembers the use of Sugan chairs and furniture in the homes of his grand-parents. As a result of a family request to repair and replace old Sugan chairs, John's interest in this old Irish furniture type was re-kindled and he began making pieces for family and friends.This resulted in a growth in community interest and local sales grew to the point where he now has a small production facility in Listowel making also traditional Rocking chairs, Armchairs - childs chairs.

Sugan chairs are crafted without nails and their strength relies solely on the framework design and the Mortise - Tenon wood joints that hold it together. Unlike most modern furniture these traditional furniture will last for generations and in the past this furniture was considered ...
... an heirloom to be handed down to the next generation.

The final part in the construction of a Sugan chair is an element known as the "Weave" which you sit upon. In past years (long gone) the material used in the process was " Hemp ", today it has been replaced by "Twine". The "Weave" John uses is locally known as the "Smearla Weave" believed to date back over 120 years. More importantly this type of weave provides comfort and strength to the whole frame of these Irish chairs.

See john's products at www.suganchairs.com
About Author:
John Dowling an Irish Traditional Craftsman of Sugan Chairs