My Background and Experience
In 1970 I left school at the tender age of fifteen with more enthusiasm than direction.
Blissfully unaware that I was embarking upon a lifetime career, within weeks I’d stumbled into a five year apprenticeship in Antique Restoration & French Polishing at Gillinghams of Guildford, a respected third generation family run firm.
Working mostly with hand tools this afforded excellent grounding in furniture construction periods & proportion.
I was taught wood turning, how to dismantle & repair locks, fit keys, lay desk leathers & baize card tables.
I also benefited from the experience of attending & working on many prestigious annual antique fairs including London’s Grosvenor House. This offered me further insight into the mechanics of the Antiques Trade.
After finishing my training at Gillinghams I spent a further eighteen months at Mid Surrey Antiques restoring early walnut pieces for their Kings Rd Chelsea shop.
Mid Surrey had a further premises in Dorking in which they supplied handmade copies, I was immediately inspired by the quality of the polishers, the skill of the carvers & the art of creating & contributing to our furniture trade, especially after witnessing so many of our pieces being shipped abroad.
Encouraged by dealers I started my own business in 1977 initially restoring from home until taking on premises in Godalming Surrey.
In 1980 I moved to North Dorset whereupon I discovered a very different furniture world.
Exit the “town” French Polished perfection of Mahogany, Rosewood & Walnut, & enter the “country” primitive, un-fussed & affordable charm of waxed oak, elm & pine.
The furniture trade is not immune to fashion; I’ve witnessed a full circle in my working career.
The current trend leans towards contemporary shaker & painted.
Should it be timber or modern laminates I believe there will always be room for quality. Many of my pieces have been exported to Japan, Australia Germany & USA etc.
I’ve done very little dealing over time, preferring the honest toil & satisfaction of my bench & shavings, enjoying the freedom of a blank canvas & creating where possible from old timbers.
I’ve now notched up 43 valuable & rewarding years in Cabinet Making.