Hello

As the evenings are drawing in and the Christmas holidays get closer there is no better time to visit the Journeyman Furniture and Crafts Gallery for your more unusual Christmas gifts.
 

What’s new?

Showing alongside  my range of hand crafted furniture  I have a  new range of accessories to choose from including bread/chopping boards, tea light holders, candlesticks, bowls, boxes, mirrors and picture frames. These are in various hardwoods including elm, oak, maple, cherry, sycamore, ash and walnut. If I don't stock what you’re looking for then I can have it ready for you in time for Christmas.  The gallery is also showing work from other local artists to make your visit an interesting one.

You can find the studio and gallery at Journeyman Furniture, Unit 13, Octel Building, North Quay, Hayle. TR27 4BL.  It is usually open Monday-Saturday 10-5pm. If you would like to visit you will be most welcome, but it may be better to either e-mail or call before making a special journey to see me so that I can put time aside  and  give you my undivided attention.

If you’re unable to make it to the studio and gallery then maybe whilst Christmas shopping in Truro you would like to visit The Guild Of Ten Shop, 19 Old Bridge Street, Truro. TR1 2AH. T - 01872 274 681. Open Monday-Saturday 9.30-1.30 and 2.00-5.30.

I will be showcasing work there between 17th November and the 3rd December and all items on display will be available to  buy. Earlier in the year at the Cornwall Design Fair I won an award for Innovation in Design and Making presented to me by the Guild of Ten, and the space was offered to me as part of the award.


Have a go!

August/September saw the start of The Journeyman Furniture Craft Workshops which have got off to a good start with students asking if they can return to learn more! I ran a weekend course and the participants got to make either a stool or table. The evening course was formed to allow beginner to intermediate woodworkers develop specific skills. I am also offering personal tuition from beginner to advanced.

Jordan's side table.

'An excellent course. Nick took me through the process of creating a

piece of furniture from start to finish, showing me the correct

techniques as well as giving me useful hints and tips. I learned a huge

amount and thoroughly enjoyed it.'    Jordan Daniel - Civil Servant

Journeyman has been out and about

In September I went on a research trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to take part in the Furniture Futures Symposium organised by John Makepeace and the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. It was an inspiring  day with commentary from some of the most influential contemporary designers, practitioners and commentators associated with furniture making today. I returned to Cornwall with my head buzzing with ideas for production of new work.

The 'Footprint' table was featured in the June edition of Cornwall Today and the September edition of Cornwall Life, ran a two page colour feature on how I settled in Cornwall and started in my career, about Journeyman Furniture and my new projects. I have also had a couple of smaller news items featured in the Inside Cornwall magazine in the May, October and November editions and in the local press, so not a bad year for PR.

2009 exhibitions included :

21st Century Furniture - The Arts and Crafts Legacy - The Millinery Works, Islington.

Artstyle - Cotehele House Gallery, Saltash.

The Contemporary Crafts Show - Bovey Tracey.

The Cornwall Design Fair - Trereife Park.

Showcase - The Guild of Ten, Truro.



Dispelling the myth

Occasionally I am faced with the question - Can you work to any budget? This came up only last week after delivering a piece for a client. They had spent a considerable amount on this new piece of furniture which I had individually designed to their brief and they were delighted when it arrived.

After chatting for a while they informed me that they also required other larger items of furniture, some storage units, which were to 'just do a job'. They weren't even going to ask me if I could make them because they thought that this was not the sort of thing I would do and would probably be far too costly.

I assured them that this is just the sort of thing that I can do and can be as competitive as some of the leading high street names, including the likes of John Lewis and Heals. The units would be suited to your exact requirements, hand made, of a far superior quality, built to last by a British craftsman,  delivered and installed with no extra hidden charges, and one phone call away should you have any problems - which  is very  unlikely!

So to dispel the myth: Yes - I can design and make to any budget!  However in all situations I do like to know  your budget, the minimum and the maximum you want to spend so that I can design a piece of furniture that meets your needs in terms of design, materials  and  budget.

I am always pleased to meet people to discuss new ideas. For more information check www.journeymanfurniture.co.uk If you have any requirements whatsoever please either call on 01736 757 629 or 07792 741 944, e-mail or if you are passing drop into the studio and gallery.

The studio and gallery will close on the 24th December 2009 and will open again on the 5th January 2010.

Many thanks to all who have visited in the past, to those who wish to visit in the future and to all who encourage me to create my very best for your enjoyment.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Nicholas Langan
Designer and Furniture Maker
www.journeymanfurniture.co.uk
M - 07792 741 944
T - 01736 757 629