From top to bottom:
Edward Barnsley Workshop,
garden and Timber Shed.
Q. I am thinking about having a certain piece
of furniture made, but cannot see an example
on your website would you be able to make it?
A. Absolutely. As we are a workshop that
makes to commission, any examples of work
you see are a result of the discussion between
us and that individual client. We have the skill
and versatility to respond to any enquiry by
a client no matter what it is.
Q. I am thinking about commissioning a piece,
but have not done so before, how does it work?
A. Commissioning can initially be a daunting
prospect, however we aim to make the process
as clear and worry free as possible. See our
commissioning page for more information.
Q. Will it be expensive?
A. Commissioned, handmade furniture is by its
nature more costly than conventional furniture
buying. However we believe it represents
good value for money in terms of owning
a piece of furniture that is:
a. unique
b. exactly what you want and like
c. superbly made and will last for generations
Q. You will make anything?
A. If you like the workshop's design style and
you want a piece of well made free-standing
wooden furniture, we can make it for you.
We make anything from a small trinket box
to complete room suites.
Q. Some of your pieces are made by
apprentices. These training pieces, are they
as good as craftsman made items?
A.Definitely. Everything made in this workshop
is up to our high standard whether an apprentice
has been here a week, a month or a year. In
practical terms what this often means is that
the apprentice will take longer to achieve the
desired result, than a craftsman.
Q. I notice that you are a registered charity, how does that affect the way you operate?
A. The Edward Barnsley Educational Trust was formed in 1980 to ensure the continuation of the Edward Barnsley Workshop and to provide training opportunities in fine furniture making. The charitable status of the Trust allows us to raise funds from grant giving bodies and 'Friends of the Trust' to pay for the costly training programme that the Trust undertakes. In order to ensure the relevance and realism of the training, the workshop operates like a conventional workshop by taking on real commissions for real clients in an authentic, business-like environment.
Q. Is the Barnsley name related to the English
Arts and Crafts Movement?
A. Yes, Edward Barnsley's father was Sidney
Barnsley who along with his brother Ernest
and Ernest Gimson formed part of the
Cotswold group of craftsmen, who were
important members of the English Arts and
Crafts Movement inspired by William Morris.
Click on the history page for more information.
7 May – 6 June
Design and Bespoke Exhibition, 1-5 Exhibition Rd London SW7
5 – 15 June
Olympia International Art & Antiques Fair, stand G105
16 June
Closing date for trainee applications
21 – 22 June
Workshop Open Weekend
16 – 31 August
Hampshire Artists Open Studios
25 October
Workshop Sale Day
Weekdays
8:30am - 4:30pm.
Weekends
By prior arrangement.
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