It takes time and patience to develop a calm approach to craftsmanship. I’ve been working with my hands for nearly thirty years - as a decorator, carpenter and cabinetmaker.
During the past few years I’ve been learning from Jim Steele, a traditional Windsor chairmaker who has passed down his tools, techniques and wisdom. With this inheritance, I set up my workshop in a Buckinghamshire stableyard.
Currently I make one or two chairs a week. It can’t be rushed. My work is in the tradition of local chairmakers and I try to pass these skills on when I can.
I feel proud to continue this heritage, and I hope it shows in every chair I make. My aim is to make furniture of lasting beauty - the heirlooms of tomorrow.
A Chairmaker’s Inheritance
Grown In Britain
100% of the timber used in every chair is sourced from British woodlands. My business has been assessed and approved by Grown in Britain, an organisation which promotes the sustainable and active management of our forests.
Honest Joinery
The proper way to make a Windsor chair hasn’t changed in over two centuries. The seat should be made from a single piece of timber, saddled to comfortably support the posterior (large or small). The arms and bows are formed from a single stave of ash, steam bent then carefully shaped by hand. Legs and stretchers are turned from timber selected for perfectly straight grain. The assembly is then carried out using wedges and hot hide glue - traditional joinery that is simple to repair.
A Perfect Finish
Antique Windsors often show traces of a colourful paint finish, which I’ve replicated by using natural milk paint. Three thin coats are applied then burnished, allowing the grain to show through. This method of finishing means that the chair will age beautifully.
A handmade chair is like a Savile Row suit - calmly put together by competent hands and a careful eye.
Customer Reviews
“Finn has made two Ash Windsor carver chairs for our kitchen. They are beautiful as well as comfortable and will undoubtedly become family heirlooms. He is a fine craftsman and we recommend him unreservedly.”
- Mr M Ashford, Oxfordshire
“A beautiful chair, of the highest quality. A great 21st birthday present for my Nephew.”
- Mr J Clarke, Buckinghamshire
"Finn made 2 Double Bow Windsor and 4 Balloon Back Windsor chairs; they are absolutely amazing, a high standard of workmanship. Would highly recommend him.”
- Mrs J Frindall, Oxfordshire