Meet the team: Warren Bentley

Warren Bentley

We would like to introduce you to our team!  We continue our series with Warren Bentley who joined the workshop as an apprentice in 2016.

What did you do before you started as an apprentice at the Barnsley Workshop?

Before starting at the Barnsley Workshop, I had taken my A-Levels in Physics, Chemistry and Product Design. I also worked with my father in his workshop, which is where I developed my woodworking ability as well as a desire to pursue woodwork as far as I could, which led me to furniture-making

What attracted you to the Barnsley Workshop apprenticeship?

One of the main attractions of the workshop for me was the quality of the work produced and the fact that nothing at all seemed to fall below their very high standards. I wanted to be able to make to the same level and I decided to apply.

How did you feel when you first started your training?

When I started my training I was somewhat overwhelmed and very conscious of the standards I had to achieve. I didn’t want to fail to live up to expectations.

Looking back what was for you the most significant lesson?

I think my most significant was the practice drawer. It taught me a lot about getting different components of the piece to the right level accurately prepared before joining them together.

 What have been the highlights of your time at the workshop?

One of my favourite projects was the crossed stretcher occasional table. It was a nice challenge that involved traditional joinery and design. I was also lucky enough to make it out of English walnut, which looked fantastic once it was finished.

What has been your most challenging project?

My most challenging project was the occasional table with a drawer. This was because it used much more modern construction techniques, which I hadn’t done much of before. It was a steep learning curve, but I am glad that I did it and pleased with final result.

If you could choose to make anything, what would be your dream project?

At the minute, I would like to make a chair. They are difficult pieces because of the angles required to make them comfortable, but I would enjoy the challenge of making one.