Pronounced shlah-na, an Irish word meaning “forest of spears”, is an apt name for an oak chair with metal spikes. Sleánna is inspired by a specific vernacular of Irish utilitarian furniture called Sligo chairs, but reinterpreted with unlikely ornamentation. Sligo chairs are believed to have been made as early as 1400, though none exist from that time. During a particularly cold winter, all Sligo chairs were burned for fuel. This tragedy is a result of the needless devastation of Ireland’s forest by the oppressing force of colonization. The Sleánna chair is an offering to the earliest makers of this humble three legged chair; for they deserve their thrones as they deserve their forests.
This chair was made for my capstone project while at Camosun’s fine furniture and joinery program. It is made from recovered garry oak, aluminum and steel.
