| A long-standing favourite of discerning consumers | | | | tendency to improve in appearance, often darkening in |
| around the globe, the beautiful and distinctive black | | | | colour and developing a beautifully rich patina that |
| walnut is a timber still largely found in the construction | | | | enhances the grain, whether straight or highly figured. |
| of high quality, handcrafted furniture and opulent | | | | Indeed, walnut veneer can have an interesting and |
| interiorscape design. Cultivated in the UK since the | | | | appealing look, depending on whether the timber |
| eleventh century, the European black walnut is smaller | | | | selected has a curled or straight grain. Often seen in |
| in size than its cousin, the American black walnut, a | | | | inlays and decorative panels, the unusual grained |
| native of North America, which is believed to have | | | | walnut burr usually obtains a very high price due to |
| been introduced to British shores in 1656. Since then, | | | | limited availability and high market demand. The |
| walnut has proved to be an accepted and admired | | | | attractive whorls are caused by large swellings on the |
| choice for the creation of highly attractive and often | | | | tree trunk, usually as a result of infection encouraging |
| ornate designs, and is often associated with affluence | | | | abnormal cambium growth. |
| and grandeur. | | | | Choosing a piece of walnut furniture demonstrates not |
| Considered by master craftsman the world over to be | | | | only an appreciation for one of the premium cabinet |
| one of the finest cabinet woods available, its inherent | | | | woods, but also a desire for timeless excellence that |
| high strength and natural durability mean that many | | | | lasts. The renaissance of superior quality walnut as a |
| quality heirloom and antique pieces have survived as a | | | | versatile architectural, decorative and furniture material |
| result of such attributes. It may also be found as a | | | | provides an indication that market and retail values are |
| component of marquetry designs, as it holds its edge | | | | due to rise again in the near future, so why not take |
| well when worked and is an ideal material for this type | | | | advantage of current prices and invest in a piece of |
| of intricate work. One of the recognised characteristics | | | | walnut furniture naturally designed for life. |
| of the aging process of American black walnut is a | | | | |