Before I begin this post I must mention I have the rare pleasure of writing it from one of my very favorite places on Earth, Battery Park Book Exchange in Asheville. I am in town on business with a few hours to spare, and what better place to while away the hours. Tonight there’s a harpsichordist playing downstairs in the bar. And here’s the waiter with my Cabernet! Sipping wine surrounded by books? Yes, life is good.
Back to business: on my LAST trip to Asheville a few weeks ago, I visited one of the more unique and interesting furniture design studios I have been to in quite a while. With a funky dining table in the corner window, Edge Gallery appeared from the outside to be a hip restaurant (of which there is no shortage in Asheville.) So I almost wandered right by. It was my far more observant husband who pointed out, “Hey, check it out, that’s a furniture gallery!”
Edge Gallery is on the corner of College and Lexington in Asheville.
Inside, I met gallery owner Aaron Bailey, a designer and artisan who creates one-of-a-kind wood and metal furniture. Much of his work is made from sustainably harvested local wood: fallen timber and trees from lot clearings. Aaron told me that he particularly enjoys combining wood and metal in his work. Reclaimed and vintage metal from nearby scrapyards, such as old schoolhouse chair frames, are also incorporated into many of the pieces.
Contoured wood seats and backs made from curly maple are fitted to reclaimed schoolhouse chair frames. What a way to turn something mundane into something unique and beautiful!
Here’s a frontal view of those schoolhouse-style chairs.
The natural grain and form of the wood often inspires the design of the pieces Aaron creates, as you can see here in the “Flying Walnut” coffee table.
Aaron also creates 100% metal pieces like the chain table and chair set pictured below. His metalwork has a rugged, industrial vibe and also uses vintage and “found” components.
Bicycle chain inspires this metal table and chair set.
Gear side table and charred cherry ball lamp.
A majority of Aaron’s business is custom. He’s been commissioned to create restaurant chairs, fireplace mantels, and cabinetry in addition to residential furniture, and has shipped pieces to clients all over the country. He takes pride in managing every aspect of design and production of his work.
Edge Gallery truly shows off Aaron’s range as a designer and craftman. In addition to his own work, a select number of pieces by other local artists are also on display. To see more from Edge Gallery and Design Studio, visit their Facebook page here. The gallery is open Tuesday-Thursday, 1pm-8pm, and Friday-Sunday 1pm-9pm.