From a young age (late Junior School) Richard took an interest in model making and, after winning a local church craft show for children with a wooden model of The Golden Hind, his enthusiasm grew. Beginning by constructing model plane sets then progressed to using his father’s carpentry tools to make his own pieces including a tool box for him.

Whilst Richard took woodwork at secondary school and without meaning to boast, was always top of the class, he was unable to enter for the ‘O’ Level because it clashed with the science subjects he was taking. However once passing ‘O’ Level Pottery – a subject he continued into the 6th form as a recreational subject along with Science ‘A’ levels.

Whilst at University followed by a period in industry, craft work took a back seat but, once Richard was lecturing in Physics, he could return to it during his long vacations.

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Initially he focussed on furniture for personal and family use i.e. coffee tables, dining tables, chairs, stools, wardrobes, cupboards as well as gates, sheds, etc.

Then came a time when he was able to attend The Old London School of Furniture (now Guildhall University) to study woodwork. Richard took City and Guilds Furniture Making followed by City and Guilds Advanced Furniture Making and was awarded a Distinction in both.  Also, studied Upholstery and moving onto Advanced Upholstery and was awarded distinctions in each.

 

On completing these courses, Richard went on to study for Part I of a Degree in Furniture Design during which he wrote a short dissertation on Methods of Bending Timber which was used as reference information for the following year’s students.

He then studied short courses on Veneering, Wood Finishing, Wood Turning and gained a Silver Medal for his entry of a chair into the Wood Worker Exhibition in London.

 

Holidays afforded Richard the time to complete the odd piece of commissioned piece until he retired early from teaching when, for a while he worked full-time for a Joinery Company which taught him how to work well, safely at speed.

This was followed by a period making furniture for private clients.  It started with making all the signs for The Burstead Golf Club and bedroom furniture for the Manager’s flat there. The Club Owner saw Richard’s work and commissioned him to make all his dining room furniture and all his bar counters and cupboards designed by a local Architect. Other bespoke work for him ensued including book-cases, phone table, storage units and shelving which occupied Richard full-time for around a year.

He then continued making all manner of wood products including turned pieces, upholstery, chair caning, stained glass windows, parquet flooring and kitchen units. He has also made several fitted kitchens.

 

Richard’s enthusiasm for craftwork of all kinds continues to this day and he has recently taken up wood carving which is something he finds creative and all consuming. Richard has a list of projects for the future and hold plans for a replica farm cart which he intends to make one day.

 

Inspirations

Richard’s Father was a good carpenter though he never ventured beyond well-made home furniture however, he owned good tools which he inherited and still uses.

Books by James Krenov, Ernest Joyce and the American magazine, ”Fine Woodworking” all of which have inspired a generation of hand-made furniture makers.