Simon Dunn, a self taught craftsman, has been studying and making furniture from all periods from Roman through to 19th century for over 25 years. After a degree in surveying and a short career in the construction industry woodwork took over full time in 2000.
We now specialise in accurate reproductions for museums, the National Trust, English Heritage, interpreters and private clients throughout the country.
Furniture
Our replica furniture is based upon original pieces and paintings. We mostly work in English oak because most of the surviving examples are in oak, but we can work I other timbers on request. We adapt the original designs to suit the clients requirements. Our finer pieces have a hand-planed finish, hand carving and hand-cut mouldings.
We are also happy to make bespoke furniture of any style designed to your needs including small production runs.
We believe that furniture is made to look it’s best by use so the only finish we usually apply is a linseed or tung oil and a simple beeswax polish for tabletops. Over time oak develops its own authentic patina and polish through use.
Garden furniture
These items are made in fresh sawn oak using methods inspired by the timber frame building tradition. We have a range of standard products and can also design and make to your own requirements. Left untreated the furniture mellows to a lovely silver grey blending in with the garden.
Other Work
In addition to period furniture we also make turned tableware, small boxes and many other small wooden items. We are happy to quote for small production runs of most timber items.
Environmental Policy
Since moving up to North Lincolnshire in 2017 we have been able to reduce waste and our carbon footprint substantially, not that it was crazy to begin with. With a daily commute of about 20 yards instead of 11 miles we use a lot let fuel than before. We are a good deal nearer our main timber supplier too. The workshop is well insulated and is heated by floor sweepings in a wood-burner. We also have a briquette machine which makes fuel blocks for the stove in the house from sawdust and chippings, along with offcuts this provides most of the heating for the house too. In 2022 we installed solar panels which reduces our grid usage considerably. I’m hoping to add some more when I get round to reroofing the workshop. Most of the timber we use is grown in the UK and some from Europe. We avoid using timber from further afield whenever possible.