One of the many things that I love about my job is finding out about how things are made. Last week I took a trip to see Wesley-Barrell, an Oxfordshire-based maker of classic, quality furniture. To see the process of how a sofa is created - from the planks of beech at the start of the process, to springs being added, layers of padding, stocking and finally the chosen upholstery fabric - is an exciting experience. It's a true craft that takes time, care and skill to produce
Last Autumn we launched the third Wesley-Barrell craft awards, a national competition aimed at spotlighting craft talent in Britain and including two categories, Furniture and Textiles.
I am the Technical Manager at Wesley-Barrell and have worked here for 35 years. My wife Rose is also Supervisor of the sewing room having trained at Wesley-Barrell as a seamstress 22 years ago.
How many geologists design award-winning furniture? To our knowledge there is only one - Ian Saville.
I hung up my rock hammer in the early 90's when I trained as a furniture maker. I now design and make a range of striking, functional furniture combining simplicity and style. The Creator Bass music stand (featured below) was shortlisted for the Wesley-Barrell Craft Awards 2006.
One of the many things that I love about my job is finding out about how things are made. Last week I took a trip to see Wesley-Barrell, an Oxfordshire-based maker of classic, quality furniture. To see the process of how a sofa is created - from the planks of beech at the start of the process, to springs being added, layers of padding, stocking and finally the chosen upholstery fabric - is an exciting experience. It's a true craft that takes time, care and skill to produce 
I hung up my rock hammer in the early 90's when I trained as a furniture maker. I now design and make a range of striking, functional furniture combining simplicity and style. The Creator Bass music stand (featured below) was shortlisted for the Wesley-Barrell Craft Awards 2006.