Traditional carving techniques add an element of individuality to solid hardwood furniture. Many companies are striving to have ranges that are clinically consistent, avoiding the issues with varying quality that are often associated with handmade furniture pieces.
At Myakka we have approached this in a different way which has proved so popular that for 2010 we have developed our popular Thakat Elephant Cupboard into a more extensive collection of lines.
The way we meet with our stringent quality control and still add hand carved details into pieces is through the clever integration of man and machine. By using the machines in the production of the furniture carcases we can guarantee consistency in the dimensions of the pieces. The hand carved elements are then brought into places where they are focal, rather than structural.
This is an example of how we at Myakka have employed excellence in design to help keep the traditional crafting skills of our Indian supplier’s employees alive. The key to our success with these pieces is how they have been specifically designed for the UK market with strict levels of quality control whilst maintaining the charms of the Indian hardwood and traditional hand crafting skills.
Our Thakat Elephant Cupboard is our most popular example with the doors featuring six hand carved elephants. The elephants are chiselled by eye into blocks of solid Sheesham wood and add a real focal point to the finished piece of furniture which combines beautifully with the natural pattern of the timber. We have managed to create furniture that is consistent in quality and operation whilst focusing the eye on the unique hand carved elements of the piece.
You can view the Thakat Elephant Cupboard in production in our short video posted on the Myakka YouTube Channel. To watch the video please select play in the window below.
Please check back on the Myakka News Blog for more videos in the future.
It is always exciting when we open up the container and unpack the completed samples of new pieces as they arrive from India. As with the rest of our hardwood furniture collections, this latest batch has been designed specifically for the British market taking on comments and feedback from our existing customers. Our dedicated supplier in India manufactures each piece using the latest German computer controlled machinery alongside traditional carpentry skills to ensure the quality is exceptional. When combined with the unique natural markings of Sheesham and Acacia wood, the results make for both elegant and practical furniture.
Once the samples are unpacked and cross referenced with the design notes for accuracy, we get on with the task of photographing them so they can take pride of place in our next catalogue. We have been using the services of our catalogue photographer Simon de Glanville for over four years and the shoots are always a lot of fun, if a little challenging. Every detail counts and a single shot has been known to take the team several hours to get just right.
Our challenge this year was creating a Springtime feel in the depths of winter. Luckily we had a couple of lovely sunny days and with the assistance of a few frozen apples, we managed a fantastic shot of our brand new Elephant range which will be complementing the ever-popular Elephant Cupboard. The new lines are now in production in India for stock to be ready for the launch of our first ever Spring Catalogue in early March – sign up to our email newsletter to make sure you are one of the first to hear about their arrival!
We were also delighted to hear that the sample of our new Mallani Corner Bookcase, which was loaned to friends, may even be appearing in The Telegraph over the next few weeks.
There are over 1300 species of Acacia Worldwide. Acacia’s natural durability has meant it has been used for a wide variety of purposes over the Centuries. Acacia’s hardness meant it was used extensively as treenails in ship building from around 1750.
In 1791 a Gentleman wrote that he knew of Acacia wood posts that had lasted 80-100 years and that forests should be planted to supply the Navy. The bible suggests Noah’s Ark was created using Acacia, known in Hebrew as ‘Shittim Wood’.
Acacia Wood Source
Within India, Acacia is native to the North and North West regions and has been used locally in the production of furniture, tools and crafts for generations. Acacia wood comes from pod-bearing trees and has a spectacular grain with rich contrasting colours. It is naturally lighter in colour than Sheesham and has a unique characteristic in that the wood appears to change colour and lustre in different lighting conditions – a phenomenon known as ‘chatoyancy’. The trees are rapid growing reaching the point of harvest after 8-10 years.
Acacia Wood Furniture Care
Acacia is naturally resinous which makes it relatively resistant to moisture and odours. This does not mean you shouldn’t make attempts to protect your furniture; it is just naturally a very durable hardwood. We strongly recommend the use of coasters to protect the surface from hot or wet items. As with Myakka’s Sheesham furniture once in your home, to nourish your new furniture we recommend the use of Mylands Antique Mahogany Wax.
We would recommend an initial coat to top up the wax administered in the factory, then dependant on your usage re-wax the furniture every 6 months to maintain the gorgeous deep lustre. We do not advise the use of any silicon based furniture polish or wax as this can react with the stain and excessively dry out the wood.
Happy New Year… To start the new year on a great note, Myakka’s Directors have opted not to increase prices despite the 2.5% rise in VAT.
As you are no doubt aware as of 1st Jan 2010 the VAT rate has been raised back up to the previous standard level of 17.5%, however none of the advertised prices for Myakka’s fair trade furniture and home accessories will be increasing.
As well as opting not to increase prices Myakka is also at the beginning of one of their renowned Winter Sales. There are large discounts off items across many of the collections including solid wood dining sets, beds, wardrobes, blanket boxes and many other pieces of fair trade furniture. The sale also applies to many home accessories and giftware items, including cushions, wood photo frames and Kilim rugs.
Although the furniture is at reduced prices during the sale, this does not mean a reduced level of service. The larger items are still delivered with our 2 man team who deliver into your home on a pre-confirmed date and time, un-wrap the furniture and position in your home, removing all the packaging as they leave.
So combining the savings from the Myakka Winter Sale with the fact that prices have not been increased with the rise in VAT and this really is an excellent time to invest in new furniture and decor. Remember the Myakka sale ends on 24th January.
If you would like more information on the change in VAT rate please select this link: HMRC VAT Increase
Entries (RSS)