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Services in Wood
Welsh Furniture and the American Furniture Maker
Having been a furniture maker in central Wales for 26 years, I have moved to New York state and set
up a new woodworking shop to carry on my trade. Most of my work is commissioned by individuals who
require furniture in the style of the Celtic fringes of the United Kingdom and Brittany. Oak is the
choice material for this type of work and American red or white oak is very suitable. When a new customer
approaches me for specific pieces of furniture, I research the many counties of Wales or other areas
to determine the correct style and proportions of the desired piece. Much of my information is often
gleaned from British folk museums. Customers often have photographs or drawings of pieces that were
once owned by their family or are found in publications pertaining to Welsh culture. When the customer
is in agreement about the style, size, materials, finish and cost I proceed with construction upon receipt
of a deposit. Months pass. New lumber often requires conditioning in a warm, dry atmosphere so as not
to compromise the finished piece when it is finally exposed to American climate and housing conditions.
Upon completion, said piece can be delivered to the customer using the agreed method of transport,
the balance of the commission is collected and photographs record the happy outcome of the commission.
Services in Wood also designs new furniture drawing on the traditions of the Arts and Crafts movement
and sometimes modern pieces are designed using mathematical symmetry. This work is quirky, rare and
sought after by collectors of modern furniture. Materials include oak, walnut, cherry, chestnut, rosewood, mahogany and
other species that are proven to be sustainably harvested in countries other than the USA.
Past commissions have also included reproductions of medieval churchyard furniture: benches, settles,
dressers and kitchen cabinets built to the requirements of customers ranging from Welsh gentry to the
ordinary man in the street requiring something special in the favored corner of the house. Many people
have collections of china, coins, glass, and other collectibles that are often in need of display in
a well-lit but dustless environment. To this end, glass paneled cabinets have been built to house such
collections using modern LED lighting and seals around doors so as to minimize the chores of cleaning
and dusting delicate collectibles.
The last 20 years have sprung diverse commissions including the refurbishment of one of the Titanic's
teak lifeboats, numerous cruising boat interiors, Welsh country kitchens, grand house kitchens,
split oak doors, beds, blanket chests, three-legged milking stools and sundry items of the wood-worker's
art related to saddlery, coin collecting, and the display of charts, painted stones, and calendars.
My extensive travels have brought influences from all over the world, notably the far East, and Africa.
Much of the work is constructed without the use of metal fasteners, I favor the use of mortise and
tenon joints along with dovetails and the almost lost art of fox wedging.
Customers wishing to commission a new work will receive courteous consultations in Welsh (my first
language) or English with research being conducted for an initial agreement free of charge. I am happy
to talk to anybody about their requirements using the telephone, e-mail, Skype, and online drawing
programs. Visits to consult with persons who live any great distance from New York City will be charged
at cost to include transport, lodging and subsistence payable before such visits
are conducted.