John Wilkie

After graduation I worked as a civil engineer, mainly on site, in both England and Saudi Arabia.  I have always had an interest in working with wood and in 1996 I started a two-year City and Guilds diploma course at the Building Crafts College in London in Fine Woodwork.  On completion of this course I was awarded a City and Guilds Medal for Excellence.

I have set up my workshop in Hertfordshire where I make furniture of my own design.  I usually work to commission but I do make the occasional piece to sell at shows or exhibitions.

My design influences are wide.  I do not deliberately design to a style; but I like Arts and Crafts, Shaker and Rennie Mackintosh furniture.  My engineering background is of course an influence, and I have made one table that was inspired by a bridge over a local bypass.

I use temperate hardwoods mostly to make my pieces but I will use those from the tropics when the design requires it.  Everything I make I expect to last for many years so I use traditional techniques together with those modern ones that I am satisfied will provide the longevity that I require.  My preferred finishes are, again, the traditional ones of oil and wax as I feel these best allow the wood to retain its tactile nature.