Gallant and Jones – Talent and Vision Unleashed

On one of my many “drool fests” though Etsy, I came upon some names that hit me with a splash of nostalgia so completely that I wanted to grab the next plane back to British Columbia and just breath.  The main triggers for these waves of nostalgia are the names that where so familiar to my Vancouver roots.  Names such as Jericho, Kitsilano and Tofino.  Each one a beach near my old stomping grounds and each one sparking lucid memories of my childhood, early teen years and young adulthood. Memories recalling afternoons spent at Jericho beach, walking for what seemed like miles at low tide to get out to the water, only to run back to the safety of our parents as the first crushing wave crashed over the sand. I vividly remember Kitsalano beach as a teen.  Loaded with hip shops and cafe’s, this was the place to go for cappuccino or gelato back in the day Then there is Tofino where you really can surf in Canada and if you wait long enough you will have the joy of seeing Killer Whales as they pass by. Intrigued? You betcha! Like Nancy Drew, I needed to know more about these iconic Vancouver names!  Who was using them and why?  I knew they had to be kindred spirits to my love of my home city!

My Investigation didn’t have to go that far.  Right there on Etsy was the name. Aaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaa!!! Mystery solved!  So what did I find besides fabulous fabrics? Well, for starters, I found these English style deck chairs.  And they are beautiful!

 

 

 

 

What is a deck chair you might ask? (A brief history lesion, before we go on.) A deck chair is a folding chair designed during the golden days of ocean-liners. It’s said they first appeared on the P&O line in 1880 as something for the well heeled guest to enjoy. A peaceful respite after an afternoon stroll around the deck. These chairs where said to be coveted amongst the travelers. So much so that stewards would place name cards on some to ensure they where reserved. I’m sure these passengers took care of the steward handsomely for their efforts

 

 

 

 

In time, the deck chair found it’s way to popular beach-side resorts in Britain such as Brighton. Now there are thousands of these chairs up and down the beach

 

Okay.  Now that we have established what a deck chair is, we can focus on the the amazing work of Tamra (Gallant) Devine and Gwyneth (Jones) Parks.  Picture, if you will, walking along the Thames, enjoying a beautiful afternoon with your significant other and you pass under a bridge and come upon some classic deck chairs.  Your significant other has a moment of nostalgic reflection and you think to yourself, “I haven’t really seen these chairs outside of Europe.”  When I get home, I’ll call Gwyn and talk this over with her!  From what I understand, a couple  bottles of wine, some discussion and the ladies had a business concept, a workshop and Boom!  Gallant and Jones was born!  They choose the name Gallant and Jones (their respective maiden names) as they felt it had the right British sound.  With Tamra’s passion for woodworking and Gwyn fabulous eye for design, Gallant and Jones is burning up the blogesphere and getting some awesome (and well deserved) press in many notable magazines.   The chairs are made out of black walnut.  This particular wood is extremely coveted and used by only the best furniture companies.  Each chair is hand made in the workshop.  Sanding is done until each piece is perfect then carefully stained with an eco-friendly teak oil yacht stain.  Not only do Gallant and Jones make fabulous furniture they make it with the knowledge that the tree’s must come from well managed forests.

The fabrics are spectacular. Trina Turk, Vines, Chinoiserie and fabulous pheasants in blue and black.     Here a few new fabrics that are being added to the Gallant and Jones line.  Beautifully crafted to the ladies exacting specifications!   These fabrics cover two styles of chair. 1. The Beach Chair with it’s permanently attached fabric.

         2. The Garden Deck Chair with removable fabric slings and an adjustable fabric pillow!

The chairs fold flat for storage or easily moving them from place to place in the garden.

And excuse me…. but this footstool is simply adorable!

Add the Niagara tray, a bottle of wine, some fabulous cheese, your best friend and smile knowing you are the beneficiary of two BBF’s who “Hand-make Happy Furniture From Canada”!

So dedicated are Tamra and Gwyn that they donate $ 5.00 dollars from each sale to Love Trees (See below).

Love Tree’s  manages a global children’s educational, tree planting program and is also a member of the  United Nations Environment Program.  Thank you to Tamra (Gallant) Devine and Gwyneth (Jones’ Parks) for giving back to our kids and making Happy Canadian Furniture!

Have a Happy Weekend!

Jane

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