The makers: In workshops around the country skilled australian artisans are toiling and tinkering in an effort to save some of our oldest trades

摘要

IT'S ALMOST AS IF Glen Rundell is teaching me to dance. To the surprisingly melodic tune of the lathe, the chairmaker leans forward, one foot in front of the other, and lifts the heel of his left foot, before rocking backwards and raising the ball ofhis right. The chisel in his hands edges nearer to the sliver of timber that's spinning so fast the outline is blurred.As metal and wood connect, shavings spray up and fall over us like rain, while the song of the machine mingles with the chime of the wood. The comforting perfume of worked timber fills the air as sunlight streams in through gaps in the corrugated-iron walls.Suddenly Glen flicks a switch that brings the lathe to a shuddering halt, and shakes the shavings from his clothes. He removes the chair leg from the grip of the lathe and runs his fingers along the profile he's just carved into the English ash. "See, it's just like doing the waltz," he says, breaking into a grin.