Geoff Warner had been daydreaming about creating a rocking chair for decades. He knew that a rocker would be part of his artistic legacy someday, but just didn’t know when. Based in Stonington Geoff kept busy with more pressing projects, like meeting with other crafts people and designing and making “one of a kind” furniture for customers. He’d revisit the rocking chair idea every now and again, but it wasn’t until 2019 that he finally carved out the time to create it. Since the thought had been percolating for so long it was already envisioned in his mind. It would be built with the same proportions as his iconic Stonington Continuous Arm Chair but with adjustments for a rocker. The ergonomic proportions of the rocker uses many traditional building techniques that Geoff has mastered over a lifetime, all in one piece. He wanted to have the Warner Rocker ready for the Providence Fine Furniture show so he had to focus. He spent his time in the shop with no outside distractions, just music, early mornings and late nights. The rocker was the result of intensive shop time immersion (he even dreamed that he was a rocking chair!). It brought him back to the days at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) when he was studying under Danish modern designer Tage Frid. Among other accolades, the Warner Rocker was awarded the Best in Furniture for Maine Wood at the Messler Gallery, at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. Attached photo of Geoff with the Warner Rocker at completion.
OWL Furniture
