This special two pedestal desk was built from hard-to-find quarter-sawn red oak,which is a full one inch thick throughout. The hand chosen black walnut borders and drawer pulls and the 3/4 inch thick, domestic, classic core walnut veneered panels trimmed in the red oak mark this as a desk for a woman of means. All mortise and tenon joinery, walnut panels mounted in recessed legs and flawless joints throughout, and dovetail drawer boxes make this desk the definition of an heirloom. The drawers float on Accuride-style ball bearing guides and the file drawers have built-in racks for letter-size file folders. It is finished on four sides for use in the middle of a room. Along with my own desk, this is as good a piece of basic woodworking and joinery as I will ever need to do. The top is wet-sanded three times, so that even this red oak is smooth as glass. And yes, at this price, you get a spare, hand fashioned drawer pull just in case:). This was shipped to the client in Ft. Worth Texas, where red oak is very popular. It does remind one of a beautiful walnut and oak stagecoach.
Jonathan Walkey Furniture Maker
Jonathan Walkey is retired professional furniture maker who now makes selected pieces for discriminating clients. I am a one man studio, specializing in decorative arts and crafts, mid-century, Greene & Green, etc. furniture. my own personal style generally includes contrasting hardwoods with beautiful grains and hand worked inlays. In between commissions I simultaneously work on personal studio furniture projects.
I was raised in Lincoln Massachusetts where my father was the director of the DeCordova Museum of modern art. My mother worked as an expert in fine crafts and furniture . I attended many arts and crafts classes and summer art camps at the Museum. I was trained as a silversmith at age 11 and at age 12 built a 10 foot kayak made of wood and canvas. I was a U.S. Navy trained aviation mechanic and earned my living for 15 years as a master mechanic, working mainly on motorcycles. I am also a former carpenter, criminal appellate attorney, credentialed teacher, professional writer, and painter.
Today I apply my talents and interests to building fine arts and craft furniture. My lifelong continuing education combines training of the mind with training of the hands. What you buy from Jonathan is fine art as well as heirloom quality furniture built to last many lifetimes. These qualities are reflected in the cost of my work, neither of which should ever be compared with that of commercial furniture.
It was my first custom order and from the beginning I had a good vibes about it. Jonathan provided detailed description and progress in making.. I am very happy with overall experience. Final product - walnut table base - is simply gorgeous. Thank you!
I can't say enough positive things about Jonathan Walkey. He executed the design perfectly and in my opinion, it turned out better than the inspiration photo I provided. The price was very fair, the completion date was communicated without issue, and the final product is absolutely beautiful. Highly recommend to anyone that wants to invest in a timeless, unique piece of furniture that will last a lifetime. Thank you Jonathan!
Outstanding work and quality. Love my new desk!
Thank you for the beautiful custom table! The 72" "Teepee" table base was a perfect fit in our client's home. We just installed last week and could not be happier! Beautiful piece and great customer service!
Jonathan is a master. The desk he made for us is absolutely stunning. We are thrilled beyond words with the quality and finish. I expect to have this desk for years to come. Delivery was seamless. He ran a little behind schedule but communicated well along the way. It was worth the wait. Thanks Jonathan!