The Maritime Chair

In September 2004 Drogheda Port Companys fourth art commission was announced. The brief was for an internal sculptural piece in any medium on a port or maritime related theme.

Following submissions Mr Joe Lawler of Donacarney was chosen for his vision to create from local timber a maritime chair. Joe sought his inspiration from a ship in full sail and from windsurfers at Laytown beach and crafted an internal sculptural chair.

Joe works from his Donarcarney studio where he specialises in handmade and sculptural furniture made from Natural Irish woods.  His work has been featured in various house magazines and on television.  He was also commissioned to make chairs for President Bill Clintons visit to Ireland in 2000.

The chair itself stands eight feet high and is made from Silver Birch, (a specimen tree planted over a century ago) which came from an estate in the Gormanston area.  The same timber was used by Joe when he made a set of chairs for the visit of President Bill Clinton to Dundalk in 2000.  At the unveiling of the Maritime Chair Joe pointed out that Silver Birch timber was a very traditional maritime timber and had been used in boat building as far back as the Egyptians.