Nestled in rural Wiltshire, UK, Meek and Wild operates from a Studio Workshop, a far cry from the realm of factory-produced furniture. My commitment is to the creation of true craft furniture, distinguished by its authenticity and individuality.
My Workshop
As a devoted family person with a young and wonderful family, I am committed to ensuring that my work integrates with my personal life rather than dominating it. While I have always been diligent and upheld high standards in my work, I am investing even more effort into Meek & Wild. My studio workshop, located just 100 feet from my home, allows me to strike a balance between working diligently and being present for my family.
Having complete control over materials, product design, and production processes is a cornerstone of Meek & Wild. This autonomy enables me to dedicate the necessary time to each piece of furniture, ensuring that nothing is rushed and that every creation reflects the hallmark of quality craftsmanship.
Materials and methods
The primary medium is solid timber, responsibly sourced from UK woodlands that are either PEFC or GIB accredited. I am allowed the opportunity to utilse the live edge of the tree, a specialty offered by a nearby sawmill.
There are tried and tested methods that are superior to modern stains in colouring timber. Charring or Shou Sugi Ban provides protection to the timber and leave a beautiful and intense colour. Fuming oak with ammonia darkens the timber to a natural deep brown that no stain can match.
About the maker…
In 2006, I graduated from Rycotewood Furniture School in Oxford and dedicated three years developing my craft with a well respected fine furniture maker based in Oxford. During this time, I acquired the skills and expertise to produce furniture of the highest standard utilising bench, machine, veneering and finishing skills.
Following my passion for mental health nursing, I transitioned into the healthcare field and spent over a decade working within the NHS, contributing to secure hospitals and the prison service. This period was rich with experiences, teaching me invaluable life lessons, allowing me to lead a remarkable team, and mentoring exceptional individuals. As my family expanded, my desire to return to furniture making increased, prompting my return to the craft in 2021.
On my return I discovered that not only had my skills endured, but with the passage of time and gained maturity, they were ready and waiting. Swiftly ascending to the role of a senior maker, I began crafting bespoke pieces. Now, with a desire to exert greater influence over the type of furniture I create and to be more present for my family, I have taking the next step in my journey.
My passion for hand tools has become a focal point of my work. Embracing the intimacy that hand tools offer, I find joy in the meticulous care and finesse they demand. While technology and machinery provide speed and convenience, hand tools require the touch of a craftsman. The outcome is furniture that rises above the ordinary, calls to be touched, used, and lived with and that will endure for generations.