Wendell Castle Gannett Boardroom Chair
This chair comes from my mother's estate via my aunt. My aunt was the manager of RIT's Shop ONE for nine years in the 60s, after which she opened and ran (with Mom) the Ten Arrow gallery in Harvard Square. Mom knew Wendell but my aunt and Wendell were good friends for over half a century. This one has the usual chips on the "feet" from use in small apartments. A couple of checks easily repaired (see my studio by Googling "Antikea of La Mesa"). Upholstery is surprisingly good. One broken caster. Some examples of this chair have sold for $3500 before Wendell died. Auction estimate prices for these chairs are now running from $5000 to $24,000 see these links https://www.wright20.com/auctions/2015/10/design/278 and https://www.wright20.com/auctions/2015/10/design/285 and https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/seating/lounge-chairs/wendell-castle-lounge-chairs/id-f_16400902/
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
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.
- SW
Suzanne Wechsler
For Suzanne's Dining Table5.0This was the most impressive process, from start to completion. The communication about this project was excellent, and Jonathan was very professional, and patient. He took the time to explain every aspect of the project from the initial design to the wood selection, stain options and all the steps in between. He sent pictures as the table developed, making this a very personal experience. I cannot be more pleased with the outcome. It is exactly what I had envisioned. I wasn’t sure whether that would be the case when initially deciding to go with custommade.com for this project. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome! The result is a unique and beautiful piece, hand crafted with knowledge, care and expertise. We will make many memories around this table and it will be treasured. Jonathan is a true artist. Thank you Jonathan for this positive experience and for this piece. I hope you will be available to work on future projects and would select you as the contractor in a heartbeat. Thanks custommade.com for facilitating!
- AZ
Ania Zownir
For Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut One Drawer Desk5.0Outstanding work and quality. Love my new desk!
- RN
RICHARD NEHER
For Greene & Greene Side Tables5.0He made me a small Greene and Greene style walnut table. He did it promptly and it was well packaged for shipment. The table complements our rockers. I recommend Johnathan Walkey and Custom Made
- PA
Peggy and Alan Frank
For Scott's "Mittens And Slippers" Jatoba Coffee Table5.0We have just received the coffee table that Jonathan Walkey made for us. It is beautiful…exactly what we requested and perfect for our space! We really appreciate the way Jonathan kept us posted on his progress and the pictures he sent as he worked on the table. We are grateful for his excellent craftsmanship, reasonable price, honest opinions and prompt delivery. If we need any more pieces, we'd love to work with him in the future.
Peggy and Alan Frank - CW
Clark whitehead
For Wedge Table4.8John has been very easy & professional to work with. He accommodated my every wish to achieve table for between my two prized Stickley recliners. I just could not find anything remotely close that would meet my needs to what I had John make for me. I also did not want a mass produce table. Regrettably I have to rate the VALUE of this project at just 4 stars out of 5 only due to the exchange rate between our Canuck buck & the US dollar that made this a rather expensive but very appreciated piece of furniture for what it is but I could wait for our currencies to get on par again. I should have done this a year ago had I known of Custom Made. Thankx John
Maker Policies
Discover true craftsmanship each week
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.