homemade deck chair

deck chair

Dating from the mid-1800’s and made popular on steamers and cruise ships, the deck chair evokes the quintessential English seaside. I’ve been fancying this one and that one spotted in London, so I was delighted to encounter the little Vancouver furniture company, Gallant & Jones, who make incredibly beautiful, ecologically responsible versions by hand. When my lovely friend, photographer Janis Nicolay invited me to tag along on a photo shoot featuring Gallant & Jones’ latest handmade beauties, I was unabashedly keen.

As you can see it took little more than a bowl of cherries to entice me to the other side of the camera. I had the pleasure of joining a merry picnic with my photographer friend, one half of Gallant & Jones, Gwyn, and Tanis of Bao Bei.

Ah, the deck chair. Somehow it is understated and glamorous at once. Easily stored, simply constructed, a design elaborated by infinite variety in prints and fabrics, and perfectly comfortable. A brief history affirms its enduring charm.

Do look out for Gallant & Jones’ gorgeous chairs. I will envy you. Thanks Janis for the delightful photographs. You can find more from Janis Nicolay at her fabulous Pinecone Camp and more about our day over at Poppytalk. Janis and I are up to further mischief of an extraordinarily exciting delicious type together tomorrow, I’m bursting to tell you. Soon!

click the images to see a larger version.