Lewis Korn
Lewis Korn
I have been designing and building furniture since completing an intensive Industrial Design program at the University of Bridgeport in 1972. After ten years as a full-time cabinetmaker, my career has been focused on home furnishings product development with companies such as Stendig, Conran’s-Habitat and Baldinger Architectural Lighting. Since 1982, I have used my workshop as a place to indulge my need to work directly with wood. 
Although my work is not mass produced, the same basic principles apply. Each piece blends function and aesthetics, a sensitivity to materials and a thorough knowledge of the engineering and manufacturing aspects of the design. Much of my work combines contrasting woods to show a range of texture, grain and color.
Recently, I have “re-discovered” my lathe and have been incorporating turned elements in my work. I have also started combining wood with cast iron building stars in table bases. These two things have led to the creation of small, two-drink tables that can be used in a variety of settings.
By combining fine woods, carefully planned and executed designs and meticulously applied finishes, my intention is always to create beautiful, functional works of lasting value.
Cast Iron Building Stars
Before 1900, the facades of brick buildings were not attached to the structure. As a result, the walls would “bow out”. To correct this, holes were drilled in the opposing walls and metal tie-rods with threaded ends were passed through the holes. Cast iron building stars were placed on the outside and capped with nuts that when tightened, pulled the walls back in. This detail can still be seen on 19th century brick buildings.
The cast iron bases of the small tables were re-cast in the USA from a pre-1900 building star found in Glens Falls, NY.