New Zealand designer Tim Wigmore has designed a fun and quirky product that could 'bring the child out' of any adult.
The stool is made from Gaboon Marine grade plywood, high grade. The Plywood is CNC cut via a fabricator in Auckland, however the parts are sent down to Wellington, where Tim resides, where he finishes and assembles them.
The old leather saddles are sourced from local pony / horse clubs, second hand stores, internet auctions and wherever Tim is out and about in his travels.
Tim has noted to me that he produces 2 stools per sheet of plywood. Of this, 70% of the sheet is used. Half of the offcuts are used for future projects while the rest is sawdust and waste.
The stool is used sparingly with waterbased 'No more Gaps' glue and the screws are stainless steel and locally sourced.
Tim uses a finishing oil called Java Classic Resin oil which is an excellent eco friendly oil. This product is blended from The Natural House Company in Motueka in New Zealand, although the raw materials are from overseas. The dark stain that is used is from Resenes water based stain.
Depending on exposure to moisture and UV, the stool should be re oiled about once a year. The saddle should oiled every few years. Tim uses an imported product called 'neatsfoot oil'.
There is clear evidence of eco friendly materials and practices used. However the stools are not cut locally in Wellington and although the gaboon plywood is sustainably grown, it is still imported as are other products Tim uses for the stool. A good effort nevertheless.
Tim Wigmore's Giddy Up stool gets a 3 and a half star rating.
To see more info on the Giddy Up stool and see other products by Tim Wigmore, go to http:/www.unless.co.nz/
