Sven's wonderful wood

Sven Madson with a piece of his fine furniture

MARCH 2017 | Wendy Laing

AN EXHIBITION of Svend Madsen’s high quality, speciality furniture and lighting was on display in the Deloraine Creative Studios during February and the first week of March this year.

Mr Madsen said he has always had an interest in woodwork and design since he was a young man. He had studied drawing and design at the Interior Architect School in Copenhagen, Denmark before immigrating to Australia in 1967.

The first six months was spent in Melbourne before he arrived in Tasmania where the first thing he noticed was how green the grass was. "Just like the grass in Denmark," he said. He stayed, married a local girl and has made Tasmania his home for over 49 years.

Handmade in his workshop in Taroona, all Mr Madsen’s designs on display at the Creative Studios were all created using different types of Tasmanian wood.

The timber lampshades showcased the warmth, beauty and subtle aroma of Huon Pine. Other Tasmanian timbers were also blended into a few of the lights on display.

Among the pieces of occasional furniture were modular shelving made from Tasmanian Oak that could be reconfigured to suit any home, and a streamlined and very comfortable lounge chair constructed from Celery Top Pine and leather.

"I like to design and make items that have clean lines and are functional," he said. "My inspiration comes from the shape, look and properties of the timber I use."

Displays and sales of Mr Madsen’s’ lights and furniture are made through the Henry Jones Design Gallery located in the historic IXL Jam factory on the Hobart waterfront.

He is very proud that his designs are not only commissioned and sold throughout Australia but also internationally.

Photo | Mike Moores