I’m Michael, a furniture maker and woodturner based in Mildenhall, just outside Marlborough. My work bridges the gap between rugged, practical trade experience and high-end, precise British craftsmanship.

From Scaffolding to Fine Furniture

Born and raised in Southampton, I spent years working in various hands-on trades—most notably as a scaffolder. This background gave me a deep appreciation for hard work, structural integrity, and practical problem-solving. Over time, that structural mindset evolved into a passion for wood and I began to learn how to make fine furniture.

To formalize my craft, I enrolled in the furniture-making FDA program at West Dean College in West Sussex, graduating in 2024. The rigorous training grounded me in traditional hand-tool and lay-out precision, history, and modern machinery techniques.

Real-World Mastery

After graduating, I immersed myself in professional workshops to learn alongside master makers. Over two years, I tackled diverse woodworking challenges: from hand-turning large green oak pergola columns for a sprawling Wiltshire estate and setting up copy lathes for perfectly precise and repeatable batches, to making high-end furniture and cabinetry for discerning private clients. These intensive experiences gave me the confidence and skill set to establish my own independent workshop here in Wiltshire.

What I Do Now

Today, my workshop handles two distinct specialisms:

• Production Turning: Delivering high-quality architectural components such as spindles, balusters, and newel posts for local builders, contractors, and joinery companies.

• Bespoke Cabinetry & Furniture: Designing, making, and installing furniture and cabinetry for private clients who value handmade pieces, built properly, to last a lifetime.