commissions

The Joe Downing Museum

click on image to view a larger version

Walnut bench Joe Downing Museum by Mark Whitley Furniture original Bench commission in Joe Downing Museum by Mark Whitley

In the Spring of 2008, the Jerry Baker Foundation commissioned Mark to create two distinctive benches to complete the Joe Downing Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  The benches were to be a calming, thoughtful presence in each of the two main galleries at the museum. 


Composed of local black walnut, ebonized walnut, and bronze, the ‘Spring Bench’ is 18”x34”x90” and is an ebb and flow of book matched wood divided by an ebonized bridge.  The ‘River Bench’ is composed completely of black walnut and is based on a single curve used in a random stacked form.  Both benches are finished with boiled linseed oil.


Along with the life’s work of Joe Downing, the museum also houses Mark’s ‘Museum Bench’ (built of ash, walnut, mahogany, and maple 18”x60”x16” 2007) and the ‘Well-Rooted Table’ (built of found cedar root and walnut 30”x27”x13” 2008)

Joe Downing Museum commission by Mark Whitley Ltd Edition Furniture KY
Joe Downing Museum commission by Mark Whitley Ltd Edition Furniture KY
Spring Table in Joe Downing Museum by Mark Whitley Furnitur
Joe Downing Museum table by Mark Whitley Furniture

How to Purchase

If you see a piece on this site you would like to purchase, just click on ‘contact for purchasing information’ next to it’s photo to send Mark an email or call the shop at (270) 678-9745.  If the furniture you are interested in is not currently available, Mark will build a similar piece for you with no design fee.  Any orders not currently in inventory require a 50% deposit when the order is placed payable by cash or check.

If you would like Mark to create a one-of-a-kind piece, please follow the steps below.

Set up a Design Appointment

Call or email Mark to set up an appointment.  Designs can be discussed here at the shop, via email and phone, or in special circumstances, at your residence.

Ideas to bring with you

• The type and size of piece you desire

• Size and shape of the room in which the piece will be placed (room plans with dimensions are ideal)

• Type or color of wood you prefer

• Acceptable price range

Original Design

After an initial discussion, Mark will create one original project design for you.  A sketch and project cost will be sent via mail or email.  A non-refundable $200 design fee is charged for each project.  If you elect to proceed, this fee will be applied to the project total.  Please understand that this process is time consuming, requiring Mark to locate suitable wood and other project supplies special to your order.

Client Approval

Once you have reviewed and approved the sketch and project outline, 50% of the project total is due to ensure a place in the shop schedule.  At this time, Mark will provide you with an estimated date of completion.  Since Mark works alone, the delivery date is subject to shop backlog and availability of materials. 


Delivery

Once your furniture is complete, it will be hand delivered by Mark or shipped collect to your door.  Furniture delivered in Kentucky is subject to a 6% sales tax.   The final 50% of the project total is due before shipment or when Mark hand delivers your furniture.

(270) 678-9745 or e-mail