Artist in Residence - Melissa May Speake

Melissa May Speake is a maker whose philosophy is simple: we don't need to bring new materials into the world to create objects of beauty and significance. Working almost entirely with reclaimed materials, Melissa creates pieces that challenge the culture of disposability, proving that when traditional craftsmanship meets sustainable practice, the results can be extraordinary.

Melissa was drawn to Pianodrome because of its shared values. Like Pianodrome, she believes that beautiful, meaningful work can emerge from materials that others have discarded. The residency gives her the opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of reclaimed piano parts while working to the highest standard of heritage craftsmanship.

The Project

For her Make It Yourself residency Melissa is creating an Orkney Chair, a traditional form historically crafted from driftwood gathered on the Shetland Islands, making use of whatever materials arrived by chance. In many ways, she says, the unplayable pianos that find their way to Pianodrome feel like a metropolitan, modern-day driftwood, objects that have reached the end of one life, carrying the marks and stories of those who have loved them.

Fairisle strawback chair making is a critically endangered traditional craft, sitting on the red list of heritage crafts. Melissa will recreate the form as faithfully as possible, while allowing carefully considered details to reveal its piano origins. The woven back will be formed from piano strings. The characteristic drawer beneath the seat will feature an original brass piano handle. The timber will be stripped back and finished as one cohesive piece, showcasing what reclaimed materials can become when treated with the same standard of finish as a high quality piece of furniture.

It is about connecting two craft traditions born from resourcefulness, Fairisle strawback chair making and Pianodrome making. And in the spirit of heritage, Melissa will use her grandfather's tools to make it wherever possible, weaving together the story of pianos passed through generations and tools passed through generations.