Business Details
6 Years
experience
Handcrafted Bespoke Furniture & Workshops
TouchWood Crafts was founded in 2020 by Charles Ash, bringing together a lifelong passion for traditional woodworking and sustainable practices. With over two decades of experience in woodwork, including a career in theatre set building and training at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Charles transitioned to creating bespoke furniture that harmonises historical craftsmanship with contemporary design. We specialise in handcrafted pieces made from locally sourced, coppiced timber, ensuring ecological responsibility. Each item is designed to reflect the natural beauty of the materials while offering functional elegance. Our work is rooted in pre-industrial methods, preserving time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.In addition to furniture commissions, we offer immersive woodworking workshops that educate and inspire. Participants learn timber selection, preparation, and crafting under Charles's expert guidance in a welcoming Oxfordshire workshop. Our commitment to sustainability means every creation supports environmentally conscious practices. We pride ourselves on transparency, ethical sourcing, and building lasting relationships with our clients. Whether through a custom chair or an educational experience, TouchWood Crafts delivers timeless quality with a modern sensibility.
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Woodworking Workshops
Private Workshops
Group Sessions
Gift Vouchers
Timber Selection
Eco-Friendly Furniture
Custom Commissions
Workshop Instruction
One-to-One Training
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- We preserve traditional woodworking techniques through hands-on expertise.
- Our furniture combines eco-friendly practices with contemporary aesthetics.
- Workshops are led by Charles Ash, a seasoned woodworking instructor.
- We source timber exclusively from local, sustainable coppiced woodlands.
- Each piece is crafted to reflect nature's unique character.
What people say
Exceeded expectation
Gifted teacher
Lovely workspace
Totally unique
Make something special
Services
Bespoke Furniture
Crafting unique, handcrafted furniture tailored to client specifications using traditional techniques. Combines sustainability with contemporary design for elegant, enduring pieces. Ideal for discerning homeowners seeking one-of-a-kind items that reflect natural timber characteristics.
Woodworking Workshops
Interactive sessions teaching greenwood working methods. Participants learn timber selection, preparation, and crafting under expert guidance. Cater to all skill levels, culminating in a personally made item to take home for a hands-on learning experience.
Private Workshops
Personalized instruction offering dedicated attention to master specific techniques or complete projects. Tailored sessions ensure individual goals are achieved in a supportive environment with flexible scheduling options.
Group Workshops
Social woodworking sessions for collaborative learning. Designed for small groups to enjoy skill development together. Scheduled dates provide flexibility for participants to join and create in a guided setting.
Gift Vouchers
Flexible redemption options for furniture purchases or workshops. Perfect for special occasions, vouchers provide access to bespoke creations and educational experiences. Valid for one year from date of issue.
People
Charles Ash
Founder & Lead Craftsperson
With over two decades of woodwork experience, Charles combines traditional techniques with contemporary design. He transitioned from theatre set building to creating sustainable furniture and educating through workshops in Oxfordshire.
Questions
What materials do you use for your furniture?
We use locally sourced, sustainably harvested coppiced timber to ensure environmental responsibility and showcase natural wood characteristics.
Can I customise my furniture order?
Each piece is bespoke, allowing customisation in design and dimensions to suit your space and preferences.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, we ship globally to deliver our unique furniture pieces worldwide while maintaining secure handling standards.
What workshop dates are available?
Scheduled workshops occur monthly with flexible booking options. Private sessions can be arranged at mutually convenient times.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We prioritise local timber sourcing, traditional hand-tool methods, and zero-waste production processes to minimise environmental impact.
How long does a custom commission take?
Lead time varies by complexity but typically ranges from four to twelve weeks following initial design consultation.
Reviews (3)
Liz Hawkes
Jul 06, 2018
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My husband wrote this."My friend and I had Charles' undivided attention for a day course. We learned lots about trees and ecology as well as about woodturning. Charles is hugely knowledgeable, and self- deprecting, and enormously patient and long suffering with impatient amatuers! I really learned a lot, thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, and came home with the world's largest honey dipper. I would eagerly go again."
Louise Tyler
Nov 11, 2016
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Charles crafted a stunning, waney edged kitchen countertop for us from a single piece of Olive Ash. It exceeded expectation and is both art and functional. Thank you, a very professional and enjoyable experience.
Richard Smith
Sep 24, 2016
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One very happy customer. Just got my guitar stool home and it looks great. Very practical too. Now looking forward to a days workshop with Charles. Thank you
