Portfolio
Please click on an image to view a piece in greater detail. For any commisions or queries please contact me using the details at the bottom of the page.
About
James’ love for making began after he received a small lathe for Christmas at twelve years old. Since then his interest along with his tool collection has grown significantly. James learnt the craft to a good standard before going to Rowden atelier to study it professionally.
Training
James has attended the renowned Rowden atelier, school of fine woodworking in Devon Sep 2023- Sep 2024. This was a 50 week intensive full time designer/maker course where he learnt from top craftsmen. James is now working for Silverlining furniture to gain further experience and widen his knowledge. Although his dream has always been to returned to Northern Ireland and set up his own business to help preserve and showcase this beautiful craft.
Consideration for the Enviroment
Fallen Oak tree salvaged from neighbours farm
Living and working on the family farm in a beautiful area of Northern Ireland has instilled in James the importance of sustainable living and taking care of our environment. As a result much of the timber James uses is sourced from fallen trees from their own or neighbouring farms.
Beech slabs air drying for future projects
These are in the air drying process. First they are set in an open shed but then moved inside to reduce the moisture content.
A preview of a Beech slab
The trees are milled and then air dried for at least a year before being used in projects.
Sustainability
Every piece of timber is put to good use as off cuts are repurposed into small ornaments and sawdust is used to bed the animals on the farm and the manure is eventually spread back onto the ground as fertilizer.
Reviews
A selection of reviews from my facebook page from orders and commissions I have completed.
Irene Elliott
29/07/23
I was delighted with the items he made for me, the Craftsmanship! The items I recieved as gifts were much admired, especially by my little nephew who loved the animals. James even arranged for them to be delivered so I could have them in time for Christmas. Well done many thanks keep up the good work.
Duneane Primary School PTA
03/12/22
At our fundraising “Breakfast with Santa” event, we have been privileged to have had James along to sell his beautiful pieces over the last couple of years. His talent is undeniable,his eye to detail is second to none and the pieces he produces are outstanding. His stall is always one of the most popular and every house needs a piece of James’ work to proudly display or use. We are proud to call him one of our past pupils.
Lynne Rainey
14/07/23
I was looking for a chunky butcher's block for display purposes for my kitchen island, after seeing a picture posted online by an interior designer. I approached James to see if he'd be willing to make it for me as I'd seen his work previously, in particular a stunning rocking chair that he'd made. The butcher's block that he made for me is, quite simply, exquisite. He made it in a chequerboard style, so the attention to detail and craftmanship with the wood is far superior to anything I could have sourced online. It is a piece I will treasure, not least as it's a constant conversation point with visitors in my home - and I love telling them that James made it for me!
Trevor McNeill
22/12/22
Yet another example of excellent carpentry and imagination by a massively talented young man... We just love his work... Get your orders in friends...