“Aelwyd” (Hearth / Fireside) — Oak, Black-Stained
Thomas Frayne is a Welsh-born joiner and artist based in Sydney, Australia. His practice bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, specialising in sculptural furniture made from reclaimed and upcycled materials. His work explores the tension between function and form, with each piece carrying a strong narrative presence.
“Aelwyd,” meaning hearth, evokes the heart of the Welsh home where fires once glowed against dark stone. Crafted from oak and stained black, this hand-shaped chair captures the contrast of warmth within darkness. The blackened timber references the charred tones found around a fire’s edge, while its welcoming form reflects the comfort and gathering spirit suggested by its name.
This collection of five handcrafted chairs and two side tables is shaped by the rugged drama of Wales—its wind-sculpted hills, brooding skies, ruined castles, and dark folklore. Every piece is individually handmade and then stained black, giving the collection a unified depth that echoes the shadowed tones of Welsh stone, slate, and forest. Each work carries a Welsh name whose meaning guides its form and spirit, while materials such as oak, ash, rosewood, steel, and waxed cotton ground the designs in natural texture. No two pieces are the same; each holds its own story carved in darkness.
Dimensions: 60.5W x 49D x 82H cm
Viewing available at our new store in Surry Hills.
“Aelwyd” (Hearth / Fireside) — Oak, Black-Stained
Thomas Frayne is a Welsh-born joiner and artist based in Sydney, Australia. His practice bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, specialising in sculptural furniture made from reclaimed and upcycled materials. His work explores the tension between function and form, with each piece carrying a strong narrative presence.
“Aelwyd,” meaning hearth, evokes the heart of the Welsh home where fires once glowed against dark stone. Crafted from oak and stained black, this hand-shaped chair captures the contrast of warmth within darkness. The blackened timber references the charred tones found around a fire’s edge, while its welcoming form reflects the comfort and gathering spirit suggested by its name.
This collection of five handcrafted chairs and two side tables is shaped by the rugged drama of Wales—its wind-sculpted hills, brooding skies, ruined castles, and dark folklore. Every piece is individually handmade and then stained black, giving the collection a unified depth that echoes the shadowed tones of Welsh stone, slate, and forest. Each work carries a Welsh name whose meaning guides its form and spirit, while materials such as oak, ash, rosewood, steel, and waxed cotton ground the designs in natural texture. No two pieces are the same; each holds its own story carved in darkness.
Dimensions: 60.5W x 49D x 82H cm
Viewing available at our new store in Surry Hills.
