Journal

Wonderful things happen when we open doors

The unexpected highlight was the children.

We make our furniture and lighting thinking of the future. Not in an abstract sense. We're designing for future makers as much as future owners.

Last weekend, as part of Woodland Heritage's Open Woods and Workshops, we opened the workshop to woodworkers, foresters, interior designers and anyone curious. About forty new people came (all from our surrounding area) and we met potential clients, suppliers and collaborators. The unexpected highlight was the children, who came with their parents (or for the converted, had begged their parents to bring them) and left with something more than a chopping board. Katy, Fliss, Greg and I shared what we know, and they happily sanded, oiled and initialled their boards in sycamore, elm, beech and oak, tucking them under their arms on the way out along with handfuls of offcuts.

We heard that one girl took her piece of wood into school and spoke about it in show and tell. Now she wants to make everything out of wood.

Katie (above), Greg (below, left) and Fliss (below, right).

It's hard to overstate what that means. And I don't think it's a coincidence that it was the women on the team who stepped up in the workshop that day. If I were to guess, seeing Katy and Fliss at work, clearly at home with their tools, processes and materials, is what she'll remember most.

Thanks to the team on the day, Claire from @woodlandheritage for the photos, as well as Sarah's daughter Evie, for baking the delicious fairy cakes 🧁