John
McLennan first began designing and making furniture under his own steam in
1973 after serving an apprenticeship under Master Craftsman Fred Williams.
In the inner Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy he established his first
independent workshop and for the first few years concentrated mainly on
commercial furniture. As his reputation for designing and making fine
quality furniture grew more and more high quality domestic commissions
began coming his way. In 1976 he outgrew the first
workshop and, desirous of a high quality of living environment, moved to a
rural setting south of Geelong, Victoria. His reputation continued to
develop and by the mid 1980's it was time to open a gallery in a major
city. Thus "The Woodwrights" were established in Melbourne,
initially a co-operative but by 1992 John had left the others behind and
was running solo. Confident that his discerning clients would remain
faithful he again opted for a regional environment and moved to Ballarat,
a city of 80,000 and within an hour's drive from Melbourne.  After
more than 25 years making a living from his craft John considers that he
has now completed his apprenticeship and is at the height of his ability
both as a designer and a craftsman. He has a complete knowledge of all the
styles in vogue over the last couple of centuries as well as the
techniques used in the different periods. He enjoys making a
"period" piece occasionally, just to keep his hand in, but
prefers to use his knowledge to create contemporary masterpieces, building
on the accumulated experience of along line of
individual designer/makers. |
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Many famous names have
influenced his development - Morris, Voysey and Macintosh from the
UK, Frank Lloyd Wright, Green and Green from the USA, Alto and others from
Europe, as well as more contemporary influences from Krenov, Makepiece and
Maloof.But it has been a dogged determination to follow his own stylistic
instincts that has led John McLennan to the current point in his career -
a voice of his own, uninfluenced by the fads and fashions that blow by
every year.
 John McLennan is now represented in collections in
every continent except Antarctica. Usually deliveries are air freighted,
but if the volume or weight is excessive sea transport is arranged. All
internationally recognised cards are accepted.
Discerning collectors have recognised his attention
to detail, his fine eye for the correct curve or line and his insistence
on the finest quality materials as well as craftsmanship. Having
experimented with a larger workforce in the past and being disappointed,
John now only employs one apprentice in the workshop and one sales
assistant in the gallery. He is very much hands on and nothing is made
without his Personal touch. Only upholstery work is subcontracted. When
you ring the chances are that it is John who answers the phone. He will be
delighted to speak to you.
Workshop
1 Beaumont Dve, Delacombe
Phone/Fax:
03 5336 2886
Email:
makers@netconnect.com.au
Web: www.ballarat.com/makers.htm
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