In 1994 I was living and working in London as a Chartered Accountant for a merchant bank. I had a small workshop out the back of my West Kensington basement flat where I would tinker with wood and make things. Woodworking was a hobby of mine.
At an exhibition of fine furniture I came across a magnificent chest of draws made by the late Mr Alan Peters of Somerset, England, a piece similar to that shown in his excellent book “Cabinetmaking, the Professional Approach” — I was mesmerized by this chest. I had no idea that furniture could be so fine and that joinery could be so perfect.
I wondered… could I learn to make furniture of a similar standard?
A few weekends later I met and was very impressed with David Charlesworth and his workshop in Hartland, Devon.
David, showed me examples of his and his students work that were incredible — I was sold — So in June of 1995 my adventure with David in Hartland began.
I had saved enough money to spend eight months with David in his workshop. It was an enlightening experience, and a journey through what was involved in making a fine piece of furniture.
What I learnt from David are the techniques of fine furniture making. Once you know these techniques, you can make any piece of furniture. Any problem can be solved. It encompasses the understanding of wood, the preparation of tools and blades, the making of tools to achieve a result and the use of these tools to achieve amazing results.
I have learnt the best way to make furniture that will last forever and remain fully functional.
Yallingup Steading, 364 Marrinup Dr, Yallingup, Western Australia, 6282
Phone: +61 8 9755 2765 | Email: scott@scotthorsburgh.com
