Epik coat-stand, Workshop with a traditional bow maker

Buzz posted on May 18th, 2011

The craftsmanship of traditional bowyers inspired the curiosity of Ova Design’s staff, a visit to the Limousin was required!
From passion and know-how a collaboration was formed at RiverBow’s workshop to explore possibilities of a new concept for a coat-stand.

A workshop marrying passion and technical knowledge
Epik is the fruit of this collaboration between Ova Design and the traditional bowyer RiverBow with the aim to transpose this philosophy and know-how to the world of furniture. For thousands of years, wooden bows have had to combine extreme flexibility with the necessity to incorporate a tailored individual ergonomic design.
After enjoying several outdoor archery lessons and being seduced by the magic of this craftsmanship, Ova Design’s staff joined with the RiverBow team.
After several sketches, and extensive resistance tests the Epik prototype was created in the heart of the RiverBow workshop.

>> See the Ova Design & RiverBow workshop video

A natural ear of barley shape made of walnut, chestnut and leather
The ear of barley shaped coat-stand offers 12 hooks arranged around a central axis.
The capacity of the coat-stand is the priority for this project, forget the over loaded and ready to fall coat-stands!
The Epik base is reduced to the minimum whilst still offering the maximum storage space.
The product exploits the laminated walnut flexibility. It has been created by Nicolas and Benjamin of Ova Design, in collaboration with Aurélien Rivière of RiverBow a specialist in the mechanical proprieties of wood. The hand stitched leather tips offer the utmost care to clothing.
For the original walnut and chestnut version, the wood is waxed and not varnished.

Designers: Nicolas Marquis and Benjamin Sabourin (Ovadesign), Aurélien Rivière (Riverbow)

Sold to order online here

A few words from Aurélien Rivière – RiverBow:
My passion for archery began when I was very young. I took archery lessons and made my first bow aged ten. Since then my goal is simple: make real bows. Two years ago I managed to be accepted among the very closed circle of professional traditional bowyers. A course with a professional bowyer gave me the opportunity to improve my technique in making traditional laminated wooden and fibreglass bows. I wanted to perpetuate this ancient craft.
My ambition is to participate in the evolution of this craftsmanship via new technologies. I intend to conceive new improved models whilst keeping the authenticity of traditional bows.