Author(s): Brian Peet

New Zealand | Craft

Anton Seuffert is one of the great enigmas of the New Zealand colonial furniture manufacturing era. The son of a Bohemian woodworker has created an aura and intrigue around his work that continues to gather momentum 130 years after his death. While significant examples of his craftsmanship remain, and more continue to be discovered almost nothing of the man or his motivations are known. No images of Anton exist, no diaries remain, and the few details known of his personality to limited to small reminiscences passed down by long-gone descendants. What is known is that Anton and this three sons William, Albert and Carl, are without doubt New Zealand's greatest ever cabinetmakers. In terms of both volume and quality, their work remains unique and unparalleled. First published August 2008.