Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/21/2005

Question
I've come across a very peculiar riempies chair - badly broken up but possibly restorable - manufactured by Thesen, Knysna, South Africa.

Could you please be so kind as to help with information around Thesen's and/or the chair and the wood used?

I can send photo's in jpeg format.

Thanking you in anticipation of your kind assistance,


Answer
Hi Dudley
Nice to hear from you.
Personally I have no knowledge that I could pass on about your chair.
I did however find hundreds of references on line to Thesen, and their marvelous woods and woodworking.
Here is just a small sample

"Knysna is synonymous with fine indigenous timbers, and famed for the craftsmanship of its furniture and timber products. The area is a veritable Garden of Eden:  
Knysna is experiencing an intense growth phase which will see this sleepy village transformed into a sizeable town over the next five years. The population is set to increase substantially as people are drawn by the charms of this tranquil environment. Tourism and the timber industry form the cornerstones of Knysna's economy.
. Timber is harvested from pine and gum plantations and, in controlled amounts, from indigenous forests in the area. The Thesen factory, now owned by Barlow Rand, manufactures cable drums, plyboard and other building timbers. T&B Log Homes export wooden houses to the Indian Ocean Islands, Singapore and Australia. The furniture industry continues its tradition of fine craftsmanship, using indigenous timbers like stinkwood and yellowwood, while modern furniture lines are increasingly being exported."
It goes on and on Dudley, but it appears Thesen turns out great furniture.
Sorry not more help.
Regards
Eileen