The Storm, The Craft And The Future: The Anton Gerner Exhibition II

Furniture designer and maker Anton Gerner returns to Labassa, the National Trust’s Victorian-era mansion, for his second solo exhibition. Showcasing ten new works, this exhibition challenges perceptions of contemporary design while engaging in a dialogue with history, craftsmanship, and materiality.

At the heart of the exhibition is a pair of cabinets crafted from elm salvaged from the 1987 Great Storm in the UK. Reassembling the timber’s natural edges, these pieces evoke the original form of the fallen tree, transforming its history into a striking sculptural presence. Alongside them, a burr walnut chest of drawers—shaped like an egg seemingly on the verge of toppling—plays with balance and form, while a collection of small cabinets features bold geometric patterns, marking a shift towards heightened sculptural expression.

Set within the grandeur of Labassa’s opulent interiors, these works challenge the relationship between past and present, illustrating how contemporary furniture can reframe historic spaces. Over three days, visitors will have the rare opportunity to experience these works up close, exploring the tactile qualities of rare timbers such as Huon Pine, Fiddleback Blackwood, and Ebonised Red Gum. Anton Gerner will be present throughout the exhibition to share insights into his process, materials, and inspirations.

This exhibition offers a unique perspective on furniture as both functional art and a reflection of time, where tradition and innovation converge to shape the future.