|
A company passionate about preserving traditional methods of making furniture, George Smith hand - makes every piece in Northumberland.
ABOVE LEFT
The George Smith team ensure each handmade piece is immaculately finished. Dog Kennel chaise, ?7,285 plus 13 metres of fabric. Shown with Fern Mohair Velvet, ?9,430 including VAT.
ABOVE RIGHT
The frames are dowelled and screwed together before the upholsterers build up the internal structure of each piece.
Inspired by the designs and craftsmanship of their namesake George Smith, a prominent upholsterer of the nineteenth century whose clients included the Prince Regent, George Smith is a company that passionately preserves the traditional methods of furniture making. Managing director Ben Norris maintains: "Our techniques are very similar to those used 200 years ago."
A dedicated team of around 100 work together in workshops in Northumberland to make each piece by hand, starting with raw timber from sustainable forests. The team is made up of highly skilled craftsmen, upholsterers and experts in fabric cutting, some of whom were previously tailors, such is the precision demanded by "pattern matching, which is something we do very well," admits Norris. George Smith has a collection of around 40 fabrics which the company has commissioned itself, although fabric can be supplied by the client.
Having the whole team on - site is important because each stage needs to be double checked. As Norris explains, although there are standard sizes, each component needs to be carefully measured, "as everything is handmade, there will sometimes be fractional differences so we keep checking to ensure everything fits perfectly."
This traditional method of making furniture obviously works well on the nineteenth - century designs that inspire its extensive Signature Collection of chairs, sofas, chaises and stools. Norris is keen to point out, however, that this furniture can look fabulous in a more modern setting. "One of our best clients is Soho House who furnish very trendy bars with some of our most classic pieces."
Similarly, although its best - seller is the traditional Howard - style sofa, George Smith is keen to use its traditional methods on more contemporary designs and often undertakes bespoke commissions for "extraordinarily contemporary pieces". A collaboration two years ago with British designer Tom Dixon produced a range that included a very modern take on the wingback chair. For Norris, this proved that "you can make contemporary furniture that doesnt have to be made out of injection - moulded foam."
This preservation of technique is so important that George Smith operates an apprenticeship scheme to preserve the skills, methods and passion for well - built furniture for generations to come. Mr Smith would surely approve.
Related news items:
Newer news items:
Older news items:
|
Landscape Design