written by Chris Barnes
Hello, my name is Chris. I’m the Director of Creative Media here at Sarreid Ltd. We’re starting a new segment here on the blog (as you’ve undoubtedly noticed, (duh!) called Chris’ Corner. It all began because I write internal documents to our constituents that seem to entertain. I’ll make you exactly two promises in this Corner. One, I don’t know furniture the way that I’m sure 100% of you reading this article do, and over the coming months, that will become indubitably obvious. And two, that you will find these articles light-hearted, sometimes humorous, sometimes informative, sometimes emotional, sometimes trivial, sometimes personal, and almost always an irreverent break from the industry norm. With that said, I cordially and humbly invite you into Chris’ Corner!
I have two very favorite pieces in the Sarreid Ltd. line. But before I tell you which ones, I’m going to share a personal story.
Since I was a young boy, I’ve connected almost spiritually with three animals: the dolphin, the wolf, and the horse. Children love dolphins. They are beautiful and elegant in the water, and their built-in smiles and playful dispositions make them the perfect ‘imaginary companion.’ They are super intelligent. They breathe air like us, but they “soar” both above and beneath the water in ways that also appeals to the superpower we all dream of – flying! All these characteristics and the fact that they interact with and protect humans from danger (such as shark attacks) make them the ‘good guys’ of the seas, and they have the beauty to match their beautiful hearts. All kids love to watch dolphins perform, and there is no generation of children who are not awed by their majestic feats and elegant leaps during dolphin shows.
They say a dog is a man’s best friend. With their tails that wag, their ‘dog’ smell, their warm kisses, their soft fur, and their absolute devotion, these are every boy’s dreams. They respond to their names being called, and their gait is both noble and clumsy, appealing to little ones’ hearts. Well, a wolf is just its kick-butt older cousin! A ‘one-upness,” if you will, to all the dog lovers. They can be loyal as their domesticated cousin and fierce enough to defend the pack at all costs. They appeal to both the ‘loving family’ and the ‘strong individual’ aspects of a young boy’s rearing. As Rudyard Kipling stated, “The strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”
Horses are muscular and lithe in form, majestic, and with grace and power that leave even adults in awe. Black Beauty is a firm favorite in imaginary play sessions, as is the white horse, which carries the prince to rescue the princess in distress. And what child didn’t fantasize about playing “Cowboys and (I’m sorry) Indians, Native Americans,” with the mighty horse (chestnut and mocha Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Mustangs, Broncos, and the painted Palominos) being a solid representation of both sides?! Many a child dreams of a white stallion that Ken can ride in his efforts to reach Barbie or a convincing enough horse head on a pole that they can use in their role as a gallant hero or adventurer. And then, as we grow older, we learn all the ‘machines’ we drool over are measured in HORSE power! Vroom! My first car was a Mustang, and there have been more than fourteen (14) cars named after these incredible creatures. Bronco, Pinto, and Colt, just to name a few.
The Austin Jupe table #78-116 is my favorite Sarreid Ltd. piece in the line, and I’m fortunate enough to have one sitting in my dining room. The Jupe tables are incredible furniture design and engineering, and I love the star pattern in-lay. My second favorite is the Game of Thornes Desk #27100. With its rustic wrought iron, horse heads, bits, and old wood.
So, the genesis of this article is that someone recently asked me what my favorite pieces were. And I responded the same as I have above. Then, they asked me that dreaded question: Why?…
That caused me considerable consternation. Why did I like those pieces best of all? Indeed, you put it together before I did. Austin, Stars, Wrought Iron, and Old Wood took me to – Texas! Texas makes me think Cowboys, and Cowboys make me think…. Yep, you got it. Horses! It always circles back to childhood dreams, doesn’t it?
I hope you have an excellent month!
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