Windsor Rocker
Tradition Evolved
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The Windsor Rocker was designed by Katie Walker in 2011. Her designs are not lead by fashion or current trends but rather by the ambition of achieving a pure, visually simple, balanced design whose form has been developed in conjunction with its structure. Its conception was one of those ‘light bulb’ moments when Katie, having researched the craft of Windsor chair making saw an existing design of hers, the Ribbon rocking chair, in a new light. The challenge when designing the Ribbon rocking chair was to create a form in which the backrest, armrests and runners were made from one continuous piece. This was realised by laminating 1.5mm strips of wood veneers. However, as with the wheelwright’s craft, the geometry of this continuous band lent itself to being formed by steam bending. And so the idea of the Windsor Rocker was born. The result of working closely with skilled craftsmen across the UK, often extending the boundaries of what are essentially traditional processes. It took many years to realise in its current beautifully crafted form.
Something about the beauty of working with traditional processes in an exciting contemporary way. Working with wood, our primary natural renewable resource and designing a piece to be handed down the generations.
For a furniture designer, designing a chair is the ultimate challenge and for Katie Walker a rocking chair is a very special piece. It is not a neccessity but an object both requiring and facilitating time and space = those precious quieter moments in life.
A winner of the Wood Awards in 2011 and awarded a Design Guildmark by the Furniture Makers Company, the Windsor Rocker has achieved much attention. In 2017 it was chosen by Heals as one of its “Top 100 Design Icons”. It has been used in the UK Government’s “Design is GREAT” poster campaign to promote British industry, creativity and culture abroad.
As an entirely timber product the Windsor rocker has always been made from sustainably sourced timber. From 2024 this is also entirely British with a Windsor Rocker’s provenance being directly traceable back to the estate from which the wood was grown. As corporate members of Woodland Heritage we are proud to support British Forestry with the knowledge that it will provide a well managed sustainable resource for the future. We encourage you to support them too. Woodland Heritage
We use natural finishes and as few processes in their manufacture as possible.
The Windsor Rockers are made in a purpose built, super-insulated timber workshop with the machinery powered by 100% renewably generated electricity. We generate minimal waste. Any off-cuts that are too small to be used or of unsuitable quality are burnt in a high efficiency domestic heater. Most softwood for jigs etc. is reused or reclaimed. Sawdust is composted. Resin and adhesive waste is kept minimal (<5%). Packaging is minimised and biodegradable - paper tape and bubble wrap, plain card and brushed cotton. We aim to use local suppliers where possible to reduce delivery mileage.
If you have anything to share that has enhanced your rocking experience, we’d love to hear from you. Instagram? “@WindsorRocker”.
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