Hand-carved table and wall panel, early 20th century

Timber

These hand-carved timber items were made by Ada Mary Davis (b.1920), the daughter of Jessie Hoschke and George Davis. Ada worked at the Orara Post Office from 1930 to 1944.

Woodcarving was a popular pursuit for women in the early 20th century. Influenced by the British Arts and Crafts Movement and its ethos of reviving traditional crafts, hobbyist woodcarvers took on the total production of the object - from choosing the timber and preparing the design, through to executing the carving and assembling the piece of furniture. In utilising botanical motifs and local timbers, Ada Davis' woodcarving is typical of this trend and these pieces are fine examples of the craft.

Table in two tiers. Top has rounded edges, carved in curved edging (7cm). Bottom edges sit into four curved legs, carved 5cm in. Legs curved to rounded feet have carving on top of curve. See below pale wood.