John Makepeace: A Life in Furniture Design and Woodworking

John Makepeace is a renowned furniture designer and woodworker known for his exquisite creations that blend traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. He is particularly famous for his chairs, which are considered works of art.

Makepeace's passion for woodworking began at a young age, and he went on to study at the London College of Furniture. This foundation in traditional techniques would later influence his designs.

Throughout his career, Makepeace has been driven by a desire to create pieces that are both functional and beautiful.

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John Makepeace's commitment to using native British hardwoods is a decision that makes perfect sense. He realized that using materials from our own environment is more logical than importing timber from far-off places.

In fact, he's been using native British hardwoods exclusively in his work. This approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of his projects but also gives trees a life beyond their own life.

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Makepeace's career in woodworking began when he started working as a design consultant for the all India Handicraft Board. This experience likely gave him a unique perspective on working with various types of wood.

He gained recognition by becoming a member of the Crafts Council and the Red Rose Guild in the UK, as well as a Trustee of the V&A, London. These affiliations demonstrate his commitment to the craft and his desire to contribute to the industry.

In 1976, Makepeace bought Parnham House, Dorset, to create the Parnham Trust and the School for Craftsmen in Wood. This was a significant step in his career, allowing him to share his knowledge and skills with others.

Viscount Linley, nephew of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, was one of his early students at Parnham House. This highlights the prestige and reputation that Makepeace had established in his field.

Makepeace ran the Trust until 2000, when it moved to Hooke Park under a new director.

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Using native British hardwoods is a decision that makes a lot of sense. It's a more sustainable option than importing timber from other parts of the world.

The logic behind this decision is that if we want trees in the landscape, we should give them a life beyond their own life. This means using the trees that are already available in our own environment.

Having worked with various materials, the decision to use native British hardwoods was influenced by the desire to use luxurious materials. However, as the person mentioned in the article had a change of heart, deciding that using local materials was a better option.

The response to this decision was overwhelmingly positive, with professional people recognizing the logic of using native British hardwoods.

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