The first ‘stop off ’ on Tim’s tour was to visit the extraordinary studio and workshop of Richard Williams Furniture….
I attended a client’s property recently and could not help but notice an extraordinary and special piece of furniture which without doubt was so unique, I just had to ask more. Apparently constructed of ‘Bog Oak’ – literally untouched 5,000-year-old wood having lain in a watery bog where it fell. This led on to where did the piece come from, which led on to a master craftsman which led on to a master class in person from Richard Williams at his design studio and workshop in Beaconsfield. To say the least I was in awe of his skillset, fascinating conceptual designs and current commissions of bespoke furniture – indeed, a true master class from an exceptionally renown master.
Chatting to Richard this week he said, “There is a theme developing in our recent run of commissions. We have made a display and serving cabinet for a collection of fine whiskies, we are currently making four bespoke cooler cabinets for a wine cellar, and we are about to embark on a fine pair of humidor cabinets for a cigar connoisseur. It’s easy to imagine how people are spending their time in lockdown!”
Images below kindly provided by Richard.
In an era of digital communication and automated manufacturing, Richard Williams offers the very antithesis: A designer and craftsman of over thirty years in the trade, he works with fundamental tools. His eyes and ears communicate and form relationships with his clients, his pencil and sketchbook create designs, and his saws, planes and chisels bring those designs into being. The acts of collaboration and workmanship, along with the fine timbers and materials with which he works, are the key ingredients of his furniture pieces.
Richard trained in the 1980’S in High Wycombe, then the epicentre of British furniture making. Graduating with distinction, he went on to perfect his craft with Martin Grierson, before opening his own workshop in Amersham in 1990. He has since been presented with an Honorary Master of Arts degree for his ‘exceptional contributions to the furniture industry’.
From then until now, Richard has steadily built his team of craftsmen, his clientele and his portfolio, winning awards and accolades along the way, working speculatively and to commission on pieces of sophistication and significance in design and craftsmanship. His work had been presented with nine ‘Bespoke Guild Marks’ over the years, before becoming Chairman of the committee that issues the award, and in 2019 he was honoured to be presented with his status as a Master Furniture Maker by the Lord Mayor of London. The ’Claxton Stevens Prize’ is the most prestigious and eminent accolade for furniture makers, and pieces made by Richard have claimed this prize on two occasions.
Richard has delivered lectures and tuition in the design, craft and practise of furniture making both in the UK and the USA, and he continues to train young craftsmen and apprentices in his workshop in the traditional manner.
………a chip off the old block literally! The wood Tim is holding is natural Bog Oak from 3000BC. It is not so much its value in money, more its limited scarcity which is relevant here. There is only a small and finite amount of this timber lying in a particular area where the soil conditions have allowed its preservation, so it is indeed very precious and likewise the address!
If you would like any further information about Richard, his team or their bespoke workmanship please feel free to telephone Sam on 07979-876380.
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