This is the 'Harmony' solid oak dining table. It is one in a series of scorched oak pieces, dating from 2013, designed by James Ryan (b. 1972) and made in the Edward Barnsley Workshop in Hampshire.

When expanding on his vision for the table, James Ryan said: ‘I want this table to appeal to the senses, both touch and sight. For the eyes, the form of the table is a smooth and uninterrupted line from the legs to the top. The blackened finish is a critical feature because, visually, it unifies the pieces of oak that are glued together to make up the table. To the touch, the carved indentations on the surface of the legs and underside contrast with the flat, open-grained texture of the table top. The indentations are gouged using hand tools, which gives a freedom and spontaneity to the appearance of the surface.’

The beautiful black dining table is made from Hampshire oak, felled in 2008. That winter we cut the butt into quarter-sawn boards, and carefully seasoned them in on our drying sheds over the following seven years. The shape of the rectangular dining table is designed to generously accommodate eight diners. James Ryan has created an artist’s proof of a chair that is intended to accompany the table.

The table is 230 cm long, 120 cm wide and 74 cm high.

This table is a one-off piece. If you would like to discuss commissioning bespoke black oak dining tables, don’t hesitate to get in touch.