Franz Dohnal

Woodworker

©Christian Kopetzky

The secrets in the dovetails of yore

Franz creates and restores furniture in wood with ancient woodworking techniques
He trained with master artisans all over Europe
His pieces are often inspired by cross-craft exchanges with other artists and artisans

Franz Dohnal is a Viennese craftsman who is dedicated to the art of fine woodworking and the preservation of cultural heritage. His passion was sparked in childhood after spending endless hours in his uncle’s carpentry workshop, immersed in the scent of wood and the quiet rhythm of hand tools. Trained in traditional joinery from an early age, Franz developed his skills beyond formal institutions. He learnt directly from seasoned artisans and refined his craft through years of hands-on work across Europe, gaining deep knowledge of styles from Biedermeier to Renaissance. Today, Franz is known for his meticulous reconstructions of antique picture frames and period furniture, for which he uses techniques dating back centuries, such as hand-cut dovetails and intricate marquetry.

Interview

©Christian Kopetzky

©Christian Kopetzky

What does working with traditional techniques mean to you?: Traditional techniques are a form of cultural memory. Not only are they efficient, but they also tell stories. Every dovetail joint and every inlay carries centuries of knowledge and aesthetic understanding within it.
How do you see the role of museums in your practice?: Museums have been my true mentors. Through close collaboration with curators, I was allowed to open, analyse and reconstruct furniture. It was this silent dialogue with history that elevated my craft to a new level.
What inspires your new projects?: Often, it is a found object – a rare plank of wood, an antique piece of furniture or a museum visit. Sometimes a single detail, a shadow on a cabinet, is enough to spark an idea. It is about reinterpreting the past without merely replicating it. I also collaborate with artists. This interdisciplinary exchange opens up new perspectives, expanding my practice and leading to unexpected designs.
What do you love most about woodworking?: The best part is the moment when an unremarkable piece of wood becomes something meaningful – an object that moves, tells and endures. This transformation from material to meaning is a small miracle every time.

Franz Dohnal is a master artisan: he began his career in 1964 and he started teaching in 2012