Furniture Philosophy
We visit Rex Heathcote furniture and chat to the owner, Rex Heathcoate about how he started in the industry and where his business is now. We also chat to apprentice Sarah Portsmouth about what she loves about being a furniture making.
About Rex:
Rex is a craft legend with a philosophy. He uses quality Tasmanian timbers in his hand crafted furniture with a view to making the antiques of the future. Some might shun the use of these woods for furniture but Rex’ sustainability philosophy ensures these wood are used to make furniture that out lasts all of our lives and become the family heirlooms or antiques for future populations.
He also uses every bit of spare wood and off cuts in smaller decorative and functional items like trays and jewellery boxes. Rex is very proudly Tasmanian and has made it his mission to employ young Launceston locals as apprentices in his workshop.
Helping them make a career out of making furniture by hand and continuing on the hand-made furniture industry in Tasmania. Rex’ father was an upholsterer and started the business in 1947; with a great succession plan for his business he sent Rex to London to study furniture design and continue the family tradition. Rex’s work is acclaimed throughout Australia and the world.
He has appeared in many exhibitions at the Powerhouse Museum, the home of craft and hand made works in Australia and is published in all the great art and craft almanacs and magazines.
Rex believes that there is a place for unique Australian made furniture in the world of Ikea and imported mass made products. He says you must have courage to work full time with your hands in the traditional craft-arts trade of furniture making.
Rex remembers his formative years in his father's workshop in the 1940's where, destined to take over, he realised he would need specialist skills if he was to succeed in ensuing years, so he spent time earning his Diploma of Furniture Making and Design and the London College of Furniture.
The factory from which the Heathcote pieces now emerge at 20 Herbert Street, Invermay, Launceston is, in fact just over the road from his late father's factory thus, strengthening the historical ties. Rex is tuned to the quality of the product, from the design to the finished product and employs a team of like minded people who work with him at his factory.
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