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WOOD: Best of Show

Best of Show: Demilune Game Table

“Wood” A Furniture Show will run January 8 – February 26, 2021.

For over a decade, Brian Murphy has curated this exhibition of wood furniture in Escondido. As he plans for the 2021 show we thought it would be fun to revisit some of last year's winners. You'll recognize many as members of the SDFWA and regular participants in our Design in Wood Exhibit. If you're someone with a project that's aching to be shown then apply now, the deadline is December 19.

Werner Pyka's Demilune Game Table won the 2020 Best of Show.

Beautiful in its most compact form above, there are few hints of its secrets.

Back in the 1800s when spaces were small and entertainment options were few, these tables were special because they're actually three tables in one. Folded, they are a half moon (“demi lune”) hall table. Pull out the support legs and flip open the top and you have a lovely round game table. However, what’s next is where an engineering miracle occurs.

Support legs pivoted out.

First tabletop revealed.

Breathtakingly detailed inlay and veneer work.

The half-round and card table configuration is normally where this design stops, but not for Werner. He envisioned a three-surface concept. His is a completely original design! By working a lever or two you can flip open a second top to reveal a game board table. Truly remarkable and to Werner, it was a magical idea that he needed to bring into being. How else can you explain that he invested five years of his life to the project?

His attention to detail, his hand crafting of every part, and the creative energy he put into solving construction challenges result in a truly master class project. Enjoy additional detail revealed in the pictures below.

At this level we're shown playing boards for cribbage, chess/checkers and backgammon.

Carving for chess was extensive.

Much thought was put into all 32 pieces.

Attention …

… to …

detail!

Hidden under a drawer: Chinese Checkers

Hidden under the dice tray: Scrabble.

We can all agree that Werner has every reason to feel proud of what he's accomplished.

You can see more pictures of Werner's Demilune Table and pictures of other winners from the 2020 WOOD Show here, courtesy of Brian and his team.

Stay attentive for future articles about other winners from last year's show!

It started with an article in Fine Woodworking, continued in class at Palomar College and ended five years later as a remarkable work of art.

Craftsman Referral Terms

BACKGROUND
The San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association (SDFWA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the education, promotion, and execution of the principles of fine woodworking.
The SDFWA frequently receives requests from people seeking the service of a woodworker. Therefore, although custom woodworking for hire is not the purpose of our organization, we offer this referral service to the public so that they might connect with a woodworker.

SCOPE
SDFWA does not screen or warrant the skills or work of any craftsman. The public should use their own discretion and due diligence before hiring any craftsman, from any source, including this one.
The sole role of SDFWA in this referral service is limited to providing our member woodworkers with your completed form. It is up to each craftsman to initiate a contact with the requester.

PROCEDURE
After a requester submits a project, the form will be emailed to our list of participating craftsmen. If a craftsman is interested in the project, they will contact the client directly, and a two-way conversation can begin.

As the craftsmen themselves choose which projects to respond to, this means that it is probable that some project requests will receive no response. If you do not receive a response in a reasonable time, please submit your request again, using the provided referral form.
Note that contacting SDFWA directly will not achieve the desired results.

DISCLAIMER
By agreeing to these Terms, and by continuing to submit this Referral Form, and by utilizing one or more of the services of any of these craftsmen, you are agreeing to contract exclusively with that individual craftsman and to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the SDFWA Organization, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers from any and all claims, injuries, damages, losses or suits including attorney fees, arising out of or in connection with the performance of this agreement, and any and all failures, damages, or otherwise negative outcomes caused directly or indirectly by the craftsmen you employ to do any project initiated by this Form. This does not preclude you from pursuing legal remedies from the individual craftsman that you employ. But any remedy you pursue is restricted to that individual craftsman, and does not include the SDFWA organization or any of its volunteer members.