Oat-straw and wood

These are bundles of wood and oat-straw used for the construction of Orkney chairs, one of the most distinctive types of furniture in Europe. They were used for chair production in 2000.

On the left is a bundle of wood and on the right a bundle of black Murkle oat-straw. Black Murkle oats are an inferior grain that thrives on poor straw and withstands strong winds and heavy rain.

The Orkney chair has a vertical wooden frame and a curving straw back. The making of the straw chair back is a time-consuming process, taking up to a week to complete and every maker follows their own pattern. The frame, with or without a drawer below the seat, is made from imported oak or, occasionally, from driftwood. Drop-in seats of woven sea-grass tend to be more popular than plain boarded seats.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.