The Commissioning Process
1. Initial Client Contact
After making initial contact via phone or email, Nicholas meets several times with his clients at their home or office. Nick is flexible and works in with his client’s lifestyle and needs.
2. Creation of the Brief
Every commission starts with the client’s brief. Nick works with a range of briefs which can be very specific through to discussions and advice on spaces which need furnishing. Useful information is gathered by listening and obtaining an understanding of each client’s needs and tastes. The brief includes a ballpark budget, finalising the most appropriate dimensions for the space, style, type of timber, colour and finish.
Once the brief is finalised the design is drawn up and fine tuned with the client. The final price is agreed and then the making process begins. Nicholas keeps his clients informed throughout the commission progress with emailed photographs.
3. Design and Scale Drawings
When making each piece of furniture, Nicholas uses full scale working drawings, prototypes or mock-ups to visually obtain the best proportions and to ensure functionality of the piece. Each step in the commissioning process is completed to the highest possible standard resulting in a unique piece of furniture that will last for generations.
4. The Making Process
The relationship between a craftsman and a stack of rough sawn timber is a curious thing. Nicholas understands and respects the origin of each piece of wood when giving it a new life. Turning a tree into a prized piece of furniture requires exceptional skills and passion. Each unique piece of furniture takes time and patience to create.
– Timber Sourcing
Nicholas only sources his timber from a select group of sawmills and suppliers who allow him to inspect each piece before selection. Only the best rough sawn pieces are chosen to ensure integrity of each piece of furniture that Nicholas creates. Every component within each piece of furniture starts off as rough sawn timber.
– Primary Preparation - Adding Soul
Each piece of timber to be used is laid out and each board is identified for the component it will be used for. Great care is taken at this stage to ensure the grain direction and figure in each board creates the most pleasing and balanced look for when the piece is finished.
Drawer fronts are selected from one board to ensure the grain flows across a complete series of drawers. Planks that make up the tops are matched so that the transition between boards is as seamless as possible. Rails above and below drawers are matched and the timber used for legs is considered before being cut. The timber is machined to be square and of the correct thickness before the hand work begins.
It is at this stage that the pieces begin to take shape and develop their soul and unique characteristics.
– Handwork - Blood, Sweat and Tears
Handwork is a crucial element creating incomparable quality which separates custom made from mass produced pieces. Razor sharp edges on chisels and planes used in hand made furniture ensure that joins come together perfectly and seamlessly. A combination of traditional hand tools and power tools are used to remove, shape and smooth.
Hand made dovetails and mortice and tenon joins ensure that the finished product holds together for hundreds of years. The joins have been proven over time and are a feature of most antique furniture. Most of these joins are hidden within the piece and will only be appreciated by a yet to be born restorer.
Nicholas strives for perfection in every piece he makes and anything less is rejected and done again.
5. The Finishing Touch
The functionality of each piece is discussed with each client to dictate the type of finish used. Whether it is a lacquer, varnish or French polish, it is the finish that makes a piece complete. Much time and effort is put into the polishing process which is another trade in itself. Matching, or creating a colour and achieving the required level of gloss or sheen takes time, patience and attention to detail. A beautiful finish establishes warmth and character to bring out the most in each unique piece.
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