Ex-Government Furniture

View Original

Catt & Son Jarrah Bookcase

The Catt & Son Furniture name is synonymous with expert craftmanship and the creation of some of Australia’s best mid-century furniture.

Catt & Son Furniture was established by Charles Catt, a cabinet maker hailing from the UK. Emigrating to Perth in the 1960’s with his wife, they were joined some time later by their son Roy who had completed his study in furniture design in London. Father and son went into business together, Roy spearheading the design side and Charles expertly converting the designs into beautifully manufactured pieces that were sold all over Australia. 

In addition to superior quality and design, one of the trademarks of the Catt furniture was their stunning work with Jarrah wood. The Australian hardwood is renowned for versatility and strength, its rich, warm hues reflecting the beauty of the West Australian landscape. Due to its natural durability Jarrah was typically used for outdoor purposes such as railway sleepers and fencing – rarely for high-level handcrafted furniture. However, the Catt’s began experimenting with Jarrah, successfully producing contemporary pieces of such quality and beauty they effectively pioneered Jarrah as a fashionable material for furniture design, in turn making Catt a household name.

We have an original Catt bookcase currently available, in addition to shelving there is also a storage cabinet at the bottom. As is typical of Catt pieces this unit is made from Jarrah, right down to the unique wooden hinges on the cabinet, rendering it hardy and durable, yet still striking and elegant. A classic Catt piece that would be a perfect addition to any study, home or commercial office. 

With the business now closed, Catt pieces are highly sought after, almost collector’s items, and the term “they don’t make them like this anymore” is completely befitting of the Catt furniture brand. 

So don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history.