
Over the past thirty five years or so, Neil and Pam Erasmus have created an astonishing volume of high-end, collectable works in wood for a clientele stretching across Australia and the world. The couple have won numerous national awards for their fresh design aesthetic and consummate craftsmanship, and have exhibited their designs globally. In addition to making furniture, Neil and Pam also teach the art of fine furniture in the USA, and around Australia. The two also teach fine woodcraft from their own purpose-built studio, ESCA School of Wood, in the Perth Hills. The word 'ESCA' is an acronym for the Erasmus School of Creative Arts, which will in time, teach other crafts, such as silversmithing, musical instrument making and boat-building, to name a few. Additionally, Neil is a contributing editor for the Australian Wood Review magazine, having written several dozen articles on a range of wood and furniture related subjects. He has also judged a number of award exhibitions, such as Studio Furniture 2008.
Neil and Pam's work is exclusively made from hand-selected, premium woods that are sourced only from sustainably managed forests, and hand-rubbed in natural oil to a silk-smooth patina. Their work is thoughtfully designed to transcend the vagaries of fashion trends that, all too often these days, render so much work obsolete in a short space of time. Their work is quietly restrained while still having the power to excite the viewer with fine structural elements, that sometimes double as small decorative detail. Erasmus Designs furniture is made to a standard, rather than to a price, but, since their overheads are considerably low, their work represents excellent value compared to most. Lifestyle choices, rather than pecuniary interests are what drives the couple.
Neil and Pam Erasmus have a range of furniture, such as dining tables, chairs, sideboards and hall tables that can be ordered, or special commissions can be placed. A prospective client wishing to have something specific designed and made receives from Neil an estimate of cost based on a client brief. Once the client is happy with the quote, several concepts are drawn up to flesh out the design detail before a more detailed drawing and/or scale model is presented to the client. At this stage, a deposit of around 30% is received, and the balance is due on completion of the work. Neil and Pam also, from time to time, make one-of-a-kind speculative pieces for sale.
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