Business Details
47 Years
experience
Crafting Excellence in Bespoke Furniture & Woodworking Education
I am a furniture designer, maker, and tutor with over four decades of experience in crafting bespoke furniture and sharing expertise through education. Since completing my training at Parnham College in 1979, I have dedicated my career to creating custom commissions for private clients while collaborating with esteemed designers like Wales & Wales and Illingworth & Partridge. My tenure as senior craftsman at the John Makepeace Workshops allowed me to refine advanced techniques, culminating in award-winning pieces such as the Guild Mark-winning Somerset Chair and Grace longcase clock.Today, I focus on teaching, offering tailored weekly classes at my Somerset workshop and short courses at institutions like West Dean College and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine, USA. My practice emphasizes hands-on learning, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern methods to empower students at all skill levels.
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
Woodworking Classes
Short Course Instruction
Collaborative Projects
Custom Commissions
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in bespoke furniture design and craftsmanship.
- Our collaborations with renowned designers ensure exposure to industry-leading techniques.
- We offer tailored classes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced woodworkers.
- Our work has received Guild Mark awards from the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.
- We teach at prestigious institutions like the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine.
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
Crafting unique, made-to-order furniture tailored to client specifications. Using traditional techniques and high-quality materials, each piece combines functionality with artistic detail. Ideal for those seeking one-of-a-kind additions to their homes or spaces.
Woodworking Classes
Hands-on instruction for all skill levels, focusing on foundational and advanced woodworking techniques. Students learn to use hand and power tools safely while creating functional pieces. Classes emphasize practical skills and creative problem-solving in a supportive environment.
Short Course Instruction
Intensive courses covering specialized techniques like steam bending, dovetail joinery, and vacuum bag lamination. Designed for rapid skill development, these workshops cater to both beginners and experienced woodworkers seeking to expand their expertise in specific areas.
Collaborative Projects
Partnering with other artisans to create complex, multidisciplinary pieces such as the Grace longcase clock. This approach merges diverse expertise to achieve innovative designs that push the boundaries of traditional furniture making.
Custom Commissions
Creating personalized furniture solutions based on client visions and spatial requirements. From initial concept to final installation, each commission prioritizes client collaboration, ensuring the finished product aligns perfectly with their aesthetic and functional needs.
People
Tom Kealy
Furniture Designer, Maker and Tutor
With over 40 years of experience, Tom Kealy specializes in bespoke furniture design and woodworking education. He trained at Parnham College in 1979 and has collaborated with renowned designers. Tom now shares his expertise through weekly classes and short courses.
Questions
What types of furniture do you specialize in?
I focus on bespoke wooden furniture, including chairs, cabinets, and custom commissions, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
Are your classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, weekly classes and short courses cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced woodworkers seeking advanced techniques.
Do you offer international workshops?
Yes, I teach at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine, USA, and collaborate on projects globally.
What awards has your work received?
My pieces, including the Somerset Chair and Grace longcase clock, have earned Guild Mark awards from the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.
Can I visit your workshop?
Visits are welcome by prior appointment at my Somerset workshop, Boundary Barn, near Ilminster.
