THE furniture created by David Linley was the subject of a most interesting talk given to Sarum Decorative and Fine Arts Society by Nicholas Merchant on Tuesday, April 8.

Wittily describing the two types of furniture produced by Linley’s workshop as couture and ready-to-wear, the differences and similarities between the two ranges were explained and slides showed clearly the various techniques used.

Ready-to-wear furniture, the Helix Range, echoed the solidity of traditional Heal style, comfortable and beautifully made but with a contemporary twist, and although expensive was not outrageously so.

The combination of simple design and amazing quality provided the cash-flow for the business.

Couture furniture on the other hand was made to order for extremely wealthy clients, but was very costly to produce.

Linley revelled in an exuberance of design and a bravura combination of traditional techniques and materials which tested the ingenuity and manufacturing skills of his workforce.

But he used contemporary technology when appropriate.

For example, central heating splits wood, so more stable MDF was used as the carcass of a screen, and 400 different types of wood, which made up the intricate marquetry design, were precision cut by laser.

The next talk on Tuesday, May 13 at the Salvation Army Hall, Salt Lane, Salisbury is Up to a Point – Pyramids in Britain and Ireland, which will start promptly at 11am.

Coffee is available beforehand and visitors are welcome.

Entrance to the upcoming talk will cost visitors £7.