MDW Exhibition: KNOT PINE

Until 2019, a 25-metre-tall heritage-listed Monterey pine stood before the Walsh Street residence that architect, writer and cultural critic Robin Boyd designed for his family in 1957. The tree died, and the Robin Boyd Foundation’s supply of felled timber provides an opportunity to consider its second life. The community admired the tree when living; now milled, pine is commonly viewed as a ‘cheap’/’ugly’ material unsuitable for fine craftsmanship. Embracing pine’s democratic role in 20th-century industrial history, including modernist approaches – from Rietveld’s postwar Crate Chair (1935) to its everpresence across many IKEA designs the Foundation has commissioned furniture maker Alexsandra Pontonio to design a seated solution for the timber supply.

Join us at Walsh Street to celebrate Knot Pine through a launch exhibition and accompanying talk exploring the creative process from design to prototype.

Knot Pine is available to purchase as an edition of 20 in hard wax oiled Walsh Street Monterey Pine to celebrate 20 years of the Robin Boyd Foundation. For sales enquiries please contact: josephine@robinboyd.org.au.

Exhibition Viewings:
Thursday 22 May 12 – 4 pm – Register
Friday 23 May 12 – 4 pm – Register
Saturday 24 May 12 – 3 pm – Register
Sunday 25 May 12 – 3 pm – Register

Talk:
Saturday 24 May 3 – 4 pm – Tickets

This event is part of Melbourne Design Week 2025, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.

The Knot Pine Project is supported by the Creative Projects Fund through Creative Victoria, MSD Maker Spaces and Haymes Paint.

Please note:
– The Knot Pine exhibition will be limited to the Walsh Street mezzanine / master bedroom level, registration for this event does not permit full house access. If you would like to tour the house please book one of our guided tours. 
– Attendees must be 16 years and over.
– No external food or drink permitted.
– Large bags and backpacks will need to be checked in at entry.
– Stiletto or pointed heels are not permitted due to our cork flooring.
– Registration is essential.

Image: Terrestrial laser scan, Monterey Pine at Boyd House II/Walsh Street, 2019, RMIT Landscape Architecture + Openwork.