I make these boxes by hand in a wide variety of sizes and styles, from the simple elegance of figured maple through to complex inlaid geometric patterns - often called parquetry. The inlays are either veneer or thin sheets of solid timber. Native and exotic overseas timbers are used to create the contrasting colours and grain patterns. Burrs are often used to create the highly decorative lids.

Wherever possible I use reclaimed timber.
Boxes have lift-off or hinged lids, and some have internal trays or velvet linings making them ideal to store jewellery or small collectibles.

The boxes are all hand made, by me. They are finished with either a hard wearing modern finish like polyurethane varnish or melamine lacquer, or a traditional shellac polish (french polish). This is not so hard wearing but gives a much softer and warmer finish - better suited to many of the exotic timbers I use.

Creating the parquetry patterns involves careful cutting of a number of timbers of contrasting colour. Some of my favourites are padouk, American black walnut, wenge (a very dark coloured timber), afromosia, sycamore, oak and pear.

These boxes are made to last a lifetime (with just a little care and love) and to pass on to your children and grandchildren. They make an ideal gift, or even, for that very special gift, a unique way to package it.

All my furniture is hand-made to order. Here is a selection of items past and present, hoping that they may inspire you to commission a piece especially for you.

The chest shown here is a practical and decorative storage unit. The robust oak veneered blockboard construction is faced with lozenge panels in a variety of timbers.

Furniture can be designed to suit your specific requirements. Here is a home drawing table designed for a structural engineer. The top is designed as a draughtsman's drawing board whilst the sliding drawer has a fold down end, making it into an ideal second work surface to hold pens, pencils, drawing equipment and paperwork; keeping the main drawing surface clear. With the drawer closed the table makes a fine piece of compact decorative furniture.

Antique, ersatz, or reproduction? This console table is inspired by the French Louis Philippe style, but it is not a copy of any particular piece. The solid walnut turned legs have brass inlays; the cornice and base shelf are veneered in walnut; a granite top completes the console.

Definitely oriental. My origami table is a reference to the folded paper structures. Creamy sycamore echos the paper and sharp creases and overlapping layers enhance the origami effect.

Inspired by Charles Rennie Macintosh this table/jardiniere is in maple with fumed oak inlays.

Art Deco style. A side table inspired by the work of Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann. This elegant two drawer table is constructed in wenge and maple finished with French polish.

Turned lamps can be simple, or more unusual, like this stacked ball example.
This lamp is turned from a lamination of many layers of American black walnut, finished with a soft traditional shellac varnish.

The hand-turned bowls can range from the simple to the highly decorative. Shown here is a bowl using built-up contrasting timbers that are exposed in interesting patterns by the turning process.

The bowls are finished in a variety of ways. The oiled finish used on the small macassar ebony bowl shown here is very practical, and the oil enhances the natural sheen of the wood.