Once you have contacted me with your idea, the first stage of reaching a design solution would begin with our discussing practicalities, what you need and why. Then, if I were unable to make a visit I would ask for a detailed description or better, photo of the intended location and other pieces that may be in the room. While this conversation continues a lot of information emerges about what you feel the piece should convey, both to you and its environment. My ability to translate those needs and feelings into a unique piece of furniture that functions to its purpose is woven into all my designs. This begins with a period of gestation, while these sometimes-disparate elements, float into a natural order of form and line that gives birth to a design idea. These ideas would then be discussed and an indication of price given. Consultation and advice up to this point, is free and without any obligation. However, further design work involving drawings, samples or maquette will involve a nominal agreed cost. At this stage, its my practice to produce a watercolour sketch, rather than a detailed drawing, because experience has shown that a colour sketch like this, often conveys more than a plan or computer generated design.

 Your input into the project is a vital aspect of creating the design around your needs and therefore making sure the finished piece fulfils your expectations.  It is only after talking with you and discovering exactly what function you wish the piece to perform; what dimensions need to be accommodated and how it is to dovetail into your environment and daily life, that I can give you the benefit of more than 30 yrs experience and provide you with a draft design solution.

Depending on the type of piece, cabinet, table or chair, there are certain features in my work that you may take for granted. All my work is constructed from solid timber, quarter sawn where appropriate to minimise movement. The only exception may be a laminate to solve a certain constructional problem, these are exclusively purpose  made in house; you will never find MDF or anything similar leaving my workshop. I spend what many makers would consider an excessive amount of time matching the timber to make up panels. I like to see the closely matched figure of the wood flow over a cabinet piece in a continuous wave. When this works well the timber truly is the star of the show.

     Arts and Crafts influenced 5 drawer chest

 All drawers I make for you will be jointed with hand cut dovetails back and front, they  will have elegant thin sides and use traditional slips to hold the drawer bottoms and strengthen the runners.

All frame and carcase joints will be mortise and tenon, dovetailed or dadoes in many instances the tenons will be pinned with contrasting dowels for strength and to add interest. This latter device is especially appropriate if I am making you a table with breadboard ends or for the corner joints of a cabinet door or frame.

                        A  feast of dovetails and features

The backs of all my cabinets are fully framed and panelled, making them good enough to stand in the middle of a room not just up against a wall.  You will also find that all edges have been smoothed with a plane even those inside the piece and underneath, all is user friendly. You may find the odd trace of handwork in an inconspicuous place, this will always be crisp. You will never find any trace of machine work inside or out.

Generally I would recommend my own hand turned knobs on drawers or doors, preferably boxwood. Or in some instances a hand carved bar type handle.  Sometime though a client has a particular preference and in this instance I will source the best hardware available to meet these needs.

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Stack of drawer sides with hand cut dovetails waiting for final fitting and assembly

I finish all my pieces in exclusively the same way; interiors receive a dry shine of shellac, exteriors are given two coats of diluted shellac, fine sanded between. Then five or six coats of my own blend of linseed oil, followed by renaissance wax. This has several advantages over other finishes. Its attractive light enhancing quality brings out the best of the timber. Its also extremely resilient and should the worst happen easily repaired.  Finally each piece is signed, dated and recorded before it leaves my workshop.  You will receive a luxury item designed and made exclusively for you; it will be completely unique and could never again be repeated in exactly the same way and of course you will know your instinct was right.

Even moredovetails                  Fully framed and panelled back                         

Interior panels, like drawer bottoms can be made with aromatic Cedar of Lebanon

Quite often I make delivery personally; sometimes however, it is more appropriate to use a reliable furniture carrier.  Small items like pedestal tables or some chairs can be crated and sent by post. You can of course collect yourself, we would love to welcome you here and share some hospitality.

                            Oak Cot with Ash and

                               Ebonised Details

  Shaker Counter as seen above, now in a room setting. Here you can clearly see the drop rear leaf with rule joint adapted from the original and the floating lower shelf of my own desige

Bespoke prices can vary enormously, depending on specification, timber choice for instance, while having some influence on cost is not a prime element of overall price. This is in stark contrast to high street prices where items are mass produced. When considering the commissioning of a piece of furniture, you will naturally be interested to have an initial idea of possible cost, just for reflection. Therefore, I have listed the cost of the items as they appear above:

   Walnut tea caddy with compartments for teabags and four removable boxes to contain loose tea. Two tier with removable tray. Lined with cherry and featuring detais in boxwood. Housing for silver tea spoon,108 handcut dovetails. 32cm wide X 20cm deep x 15.5cm high. 875 euros

Shaker counter in figured oak with walnut handles and pins.    60''wide x 20''deep x 34'' High, with hinged drop down leaf of extra 11'' supported by two knuckle hinged brackets. The counter rolls forward on wooden wheels set in the legs when using the drop leaf, this makes a very useful buffet.  4 Drawers. Low shelf supported on rails between legs.          Price 5885 euros

5 Drawer chest in figured oak and as detailed above, including panelled back and drawers lined with Cedar of Lebanon:      External dimensions  36'' wide 40 1/2'' high and 20'' deep. Price 5500 euros

Oak Cot with Ash and ebonised details including adjustable pine mattress support. Internal dimensions 24'' wide X 4' long takes a 60cm x 120cm mattress included. 2850 euros

An oak Shaker table like this one with breadboard ends

84'' X 32''  Price 3280 euros