Tim Stead: Furniture Showcase: In Association with Twentieth Century Antiques
Tim Stead (1952-2000): Perfect Imperfection
"Tim Stead was a British sculptor and furniture maker. His furniture has a wonderful organic, sculptural quality and is incredibly tactile. His work shares a deep understanding and an underlying philosophy to that of George Nakashima - 'The soul and spirit of the tree, and the dedication of the woodworker to his or her craft', and a belief that a tree that has lived a good life deserves a second life as a beautiful and considered piece of furniture. For Tim, furniture and sculpture were part of the same conversation, there is no distinction. Sculpture is furniture, furniture is sculpture.
Tim respected the natural properties of the wood. Rather than discarding the edges, cracks and knots, traditionally considered imperfect, he preserved and highlighted them turning these features into the focal point of each piece, allowing the inherent beauty of the wood to speak for itself.
Tim's early pieces are now 40-50 years old and I believe now is the perfect time to re-assess his work and see it in the context of current market trends. I have clients who mix Tim's furniture with classic Scandinavian Midcentury pieces; it also works perfectly in traditional, midcentury, contemporary and minimalist interiors.
Tim Stead's home 'The Steading' in the Scottish Borders is a total work of art - a complete, harmonious interior, fully furnished. In some respects it is the fulfilment of an artistic vision and a devotion to a life of creative exploration. In 2020 the house, interior, adjacent sawmill and workshop was designated Grade A Listed status by Historic Environment Scotland. The house and archive are now managed by the Tim Stead Trust. Twentieth Century Antiques works alongside the Trust advising on the archive and sourcing missing pieces for their collection."
- Andrew Fletcher, Twentieth Century Antiques
Twentieth Century Antiques is the leading specialist dealer in the furniture of Tim Stead (1952-2000).