Nurturing Tomorrow's Crafts People

In the spirit of National Career Development Month, we take great pride in celebrating the apprentices and trainees within our workforce. We firmly believe that investing in the next generation of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen is not just a choice but a responsibility.

The Apprenticeship Commitment

Taking on apprentices is a commitment that demands time, dedication, and financial investment, but it is a commitment we take seriously. Our apprenticeship programme is not just about passing on skills; it is about nurturing a sustainable future for our industry. We see on-the-job training as the most effective way to impart the right skills and shape an individual's understanding of our craft.

A Tradition of Excellence

Many of our most accomplished employees, who occupy key positions, embarked on their journey with us as apprentices or trainees.

Owner and Manging Director Neil Stevenson, passionately echoes this sentiment: "We are dedicated to preserving the rich tradition of cabinet making and furniture crafting in the UK. Apprenticeships and Trainee Programmes are the perfect way to impart specialist skills while allowing individuals to earn a wage. They gain priceless industry insights and a profound understanding of the bespoke furniture process."

?As we commemorate National Career Development Month, we are reminded that our journey is not just about business success; it's about creating a sustainable legacy, passing on the torch, and nurturing the future of our industry. It is about seeing the potential in every apprentice and trainee who passes through our doors.

King Charles' Coronation chairs sold for charity

Four of the chairs made by NEJ Stevenson for the Coronation of King Charles have been auctioned for charity, including supporting the homeless.

The historic chairs raised ￡32,760 at an auction at Christie's in London.

The oak chairs were used by royal guests and dignitaries sitting at the front at the Coronation service in Westminster Abbey in May.

Royal souvenir hunters will be able to buy more of the chairs, with almost all the set of 100 chairs to be sold later.

It might be seen as the ultimate in impressing the neighbours, but the chairs, with only one previous careful owner, should raise a significant six-figure figure sum for charity.

There are further auctions for eight more of the chairs in New York and Paris this week and then private sales for almost all the remaining chairs.

To read more about the sale of the congregation chairs please click on the link to the full BBC article:

Coronation Congregation Chairs Auction

Specifying Bespoke Furniture: A Guide

"Dado height raised and fielded high quality oak panelling to walls with semi-matt clear lacquer finish all as dwg".

The above is a typical example of a specification that we may receive from a designer, architect or quantity surveyor and to many, would appear to be a clear and precise description of what is required.? It is largely all that is required for a craftsperson to provide a price, however, there is a great deal of difference between what is meant and intended and what is literally correct. Below we have outlined a number of points to consider and incorporate in any specification.

Timber Quality and Grading:

Specify the timber quality based on accepted terms in the UK:

• Prime (QSA) - Virtually flawless, best quality
• Joinery (Firsts and Seconds) - Acceptable knots and sap
• Character - Allows colour variations, sap, knots, and splits
• Pippy - Lots of small knots (cat’s paw)

?Oak Type and Origin:

Specify the oak type and origin:

• American white oak – Less expensive
• European Oak (English or French) - Generally preferred and more expensive
• Discuss the preferred appearance considering growth location variations as there is considerable difference across Europe.?

Grain Pattern:

Specify the desired grain pattern:

• Rift sawn or un-figured quarter sawn for straight, unfigured oak
• Figured quarter sawn for highly figured oak with prominent medullary rays
• Crown oak for a more flowing grain pattern
• Consider adding a picture to illustrate the preference.

?Construction and Material: (Using Oak as an example)

• Specify whether the panelling is solid oak, veneered, or a combination.
• Discuss suitability based on design requirements, matching grains, inlays, marquetry, or environmental conditions (dry or humid environments).

?Finish:

Specify the desired finish:

• Semi-matt clear lacquer
• Confirm the sheen level percentage, e.g., 25% semi-matt.
• “Dado height raised and fielded panels to match design intent and full-size moulding detail drawings. Solid timber frames and mouldings with veneered panels in Rift sawn prime quality French Oak finished with 25% semi-matt clear synthetic lacquer”.

To receive more tips about specifying bespoke furniture, download our top tip guide.

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