Chicago based alumnus, Rohan Ward, has crafted a table for President Barack Obama to present to French President Francois Hollande.

The table was made using American hardwoods and timber from a fallen oak at Mt Vernon which is George Washinton's estate. It was presented in Feburary 2014 as part of President Obama's state visit to France.

Ward graduated from the Canberra School of Art in 1990 having studied Woodwork and Furniture Design. He has enjoyed an illustrious career as a custom furniture maker in Australia, England and the US.

Currently living in Chicago with his wife and children, Ward operates Rohan Ward Designs LLC.

ANU News interviewed Rohan about the commission and he credits his career success to the late George Ingham, who ran the wood workshop at the ANU School of Art. Also saying "I haven’t forgotten my roots and obviously the ANU and the Art School is a big part of that."

Read the full interview and view more images at news.anu.edu.au

Read more about the commission in the Chicargo Tribune

Visit Rohan Ward Designs