Menu

Duncan Legate LSDC

Furniture & Boxes

About Duncan
Duncan makes wooden furniture from locally grown timbers. His work specialises in the use of live edge timber. Growing up in the Scottish Highlands, in the shadow of Schiehallion - the Fairy Mountain of the Caledonians and on the edge of one of the last remaining stands of the ancient Caledonian Forest his work is inspired by wild spaces and by the natural form of the timbers he works with. He see's his role as a craftsman is to harness and enhance the natural beauty inherent in each piece of wood - creating organic yet contemporary forms.
Biography Back to top

Duncan's work is an ode to the imperfect.

Inspired by wild and green spaces, his work is lead by the organic form of the timbers he work with. Each curve of the boards edge, each twist or turn in the grain, each knot and split all tell the story of the life of the tree. His role is to turn these flaws into features and celebrate beauty inherent in our native timber.

Duncan see's his furniture as functional artworks, which are made using sustainably sourced Irish timber, giving fallen trees a second life. With a strong focus on traditional joinery and hand tool woodworking, using both western and Japanese tools, every unique piece that leaves may workshop is designed and made to last for generations.

He takes a minimalist approach to design, allowing the wood to take centre stage, blending the organic form of the timber with a modern, contemporary style to create furniture with a simple elegance. Each piece of wood as a snowflake, each one has its own grain pattern and character that is unique to that board.

Resumé Back to top
  • Member of Craft NI since 2022
  • Glucksman Gallery Craft and Design Fair, Cork, 2024
  • (un)Bound Exhibition, Belfast 2025 - received emerging maker prize
  • Member of Society of Designer Craftsmen 2025
Other Makers in Furniture & Boxes