Woodworker: Sam Norris

Norris built these hickory chairs in his second year in the Fine Woodworking Program at the College of the Redwoods in California. Initially, he planned to make just the child’s chair (13 in. deep by 16-1/2 in. wide by 27 in. tall) but decided to make the larger version as well to illustrate the relationship between children and adults. The front legs are based on elements in Edward Barnsley chairs, while the back splats and chair profiles were influenced by the elegant lines of Ejler Hjorth-Westh’s Casper chair. The upholstery is cotton, and the finish is oil-varnish.

Photo: Seth Janofsky