Around five years ago we started to make arrangements to help me better see the fine details on our TV screen. Last week, the final part of those arrangements was completed when the ugly cardboard ‘box’ that had been used to support a new television ‘temporarily’, was finally replaced by a made-to-measure box made of oak (see illustration). Importantly, for me the replacement box has turned out to be a piece of furniture with enormous appeal

My eye problem declared itself as troubling when, despite wearing my glasses, I sometimes found it difficult to make sense of what was happening on the television screen. Following a game of rugby or football, for instance, was often close to impossible when, during the game, the ball itself was too small to be seen. Watching the reactions of the players was not enough! Following the plot in a play was similarly difficult when I could not easily see whose lips were moving and so who was actually speaking.

Our television was old and, by the standards of the time, its screen was small; accordingly one remedy was obvious – we should buy a set with a larger screen on which the pictures were better defined. 

Our television ‘man’ had the very one in his workshop; moreover he could bring it round next day and do a swap. But there was a problem: it was Spring 2020 and on that next day the United Kingdom’s Covid 19 lockdown would come into effect. However, Jason assured us that as a tradesman the law allowed him to install the new TV – but no more. Moreover, while he was in the house we would have to keep our distance! 

Jason came as planned and busied himself in the television room. Then, after an hour or so, he called us in. The old TV had been removed and in its place sat a working, brand new, ultra-slim model with its enlarged screen showing a high-resolution image which made all the difference. But there was a problem – the legs of the new TV were set so widely apart that they overhung the edges of the old TV stand (see illustration) and our new TV kept sliding over. His solution was to put the large cardboard box in which the new TV had been packed across the top of the stand, and to put the TV’s legs on that. His system worked and he promised that as soon as the lockdown was over he would find for us a more substantial base. 

Unfortunately, Jason found no such replacement and for five years the ugly cardboard box, while serving as an adequate support, attracted endless jibes, sneers and asides. How we could continue to use a throw-away box for so long defeated our children and friends alike. I tried several times to find an alternative support but nothing suitable was available. I even contemplated making one myself. 

Then I had an idea –  why not ask a man I had got to know in the gym for help.  For several years now he had been learning to become a cabinet maker – perhaps he could make the replacement we needed. I love craftsmanship, can stare for hours at beautifully made furniture, and if it were made in oak it would be a dream. Importantly, after being made redundant, Finn – who was in his early sixties – was embarking on a new career. That being the case, a money-earning commission to make us a wooden support might be a welcome challenge!

He immediately agreed, I gave him detailed dimensions of the piece – it would be exactly the same size as the former cardboard support – and I asked that it be made of English oak with its sides held together using finger joints and as little glue as possible. English oak was duly bought, planks were cut and seasoned, and ultimately work began with all the joinery done by hand. 

 A few weeks ago he came round to the house glowing with pride, carrying our new television stand which was obviously made with great care by a skilled furniture maker. It was immediately installed and the old cardboard box put in the bin. 

Now, just looking at the support even when the television is off, and admiring its particularly rich and distinctive grain with its splendid display of medullary rays, gives me enormous pleasure! Moreover, as he left, Finn told me how our detailed commission gave his apprenticeship an invaluable fillip.

The illustration shows a photo of the television sitting astride Finn’s made- to-measure oak box whose dimensions are the same as those of the original cardboard box. The medullary ray markings on the lower panel are particularly fine.

For helping me write this blog, I would like to thank Finn, Anis, Jason, Rohan and Vivien.