Good Eye

Good Eye, the fifth and newest book in the authors’ artisan geometry" series, explores furniture design by delving into simple proportions in a new and deep way.

Here, Jim Tolpin and George Walker take a close look at iconic pieces of furniture from different periods, and show you the proportional systems behind each of them at work. Then, they take you a step beyond, and show how to use that same system to create an entirely new design – a piece with bones that can successfully work in just about any design aesthetic.

If you have been following the work of George and Jim, this new book will expand your understanding of artisan geometry and how to make it work for you. If you are new to furniture design, Good Eye is a great point of entry into to the topic.

The book begins by showing you how to find the simple shapes behind a piece of furniture. Then how to tease out the "module" (or two) that is the building block of that design. Then you can use that module to scale mouldings, rails, stiles, drawers and negative space.

If this sounds difficult, don’t worry. Good Eye teaches you through example. The lessons begin with a simple 17th-century chest. The authors show you the basic system behind the chest‘s overall proportions. They then explain (using words and clear line drawings) how the module helps lay out the chest’s rails, stiles and panels. Once you understand the system behind the chest, Tolpin and Walker show you how to use the same system to design a contemporary hi-fi cabinet.

Good Eye then marches forward with this format. Learn asymmetry with the help of pieces from Asia. Tackle secondary modules while exploring a Shaker sewing table. Then learn to improve existing designs with the process of “refinement,” where you play with different layouts (all using the same system) to find the one that is most pleasing. Then they explain ornamentation and curves.

All of these high-minded ideas are backed up with real-world examples. The book has hundreds of line drawings that make each step understandable.