Suffolk in the City woodworkers

As part of London Craft Week 2026, the Suffolk Craft Society is delighted to present Suffolk in the City, an exhibition curated by its patron and former Chair, Trevor Pickett. Following a highly successful debut last year, the Society looks forward to returning this May with a carefully selected group of members whose work reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and creative excellence for which the Society is known. Spanning a wide range of disciplines, the exhibition offers a compelling snapshot of Suffolk’s rich craft heritage alongside the innovation of its contemporary makers. 

 

The woodworkers and furniture makers joining the exhibition this year include: 

Dennis Hales works primarily with locally grown sycamore, holly, ash and maple, using these pale ‘white woods’ as a natural canvas for a wide range of finishing techniques. Through turning, carving and texturing, he enhances each piece with water-soluble dyes and metal leaf, creating a harmonious balance between form and surface. His work includes fruit displays, silver-leaf sycamore bowls and ash wall plates with copper leaf. A member of the Norfolk Contemporary Craft Society and the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain, his work is widely exhibited and includes a number of prestigious commissions. 

 

Simon Turner creates both two and three dimensional works inspired by the Suffolk coast, combining wooden panels with acrylic paint to evoke sea and landscape. More recently, he has expanded into small-scale sculpture, drawing on his woodworking background and techniques such as ebonising. His work is often produced in situ whether in his Yoxford studio, at his Hackney kitchen table, or directly on the beach and ranges from intimate bookshelf pieces to larger outdoor sculptures, all crafted from locally sourced timber. 

 

David Bartrum brings exceptional skill and craftsmanship. Renowned for bespoke joinery, fine furniture design and meticulous restoration, David combines a deep understanding of traditional techniques with contemporary precision. His longstanding work with organisations such as the National Trust reflects a commitment to the careful conservation of historic interiors, from panelling and flooring to doors and shutters. 

 

Nicholas Rowe, working from his studio, continues to develop a distinctive woodturning practice rooted in a deep sensitivity to his materials. Drawing on locally sourced green, seasoned and reclaimed wood, he allows the natural characteristics, bark, grain, cracks and spalting to guide the final form. Rather than imposing design, he responds to the material as it evolves during the turning process. A graduate of Colchester School of Art, Nicholas creates pieces that celebrate individuality and place, often marking each work with the name and origin of the timber, imbuing it with both narrative and longevity. 

 

Tim Germain produces one-off furniture pieces, each made entirely by hand from initial design through to final finish. Working predominantly with English hardwoods, he focuses on simple, robust forms that allow the natural beauty of the material to take centre stage. His process, cutting, shaping, jointing and finishing, is carried out solely by the maker, resulting in pieces that are both highly individual and enduring in their appeal. 

 

Toby Winteringham creates furniture and objects defined by bold lines and a refined economy of form. His work combines solid wood and veneers with a strong emphasis on traditional hand skills, resulting in pieces that feel both contemporary and timeless. Some designs incorporate trompe l’oeil marquetry, adding a playful and unexpected dimension. Alongside larger statement works, he also produces smaller items including mirrors, trays and jewellery, available through galleries and online. 

 

London Craft Week brings together over 1,000 makers, designers and brands from around the world, celebrating excellence in craftsmanship and creative vision. Within this international context, Suffolk in the City highlights the depth and diversity of Suffolk’s makers, where traditional skills meet contemporary expression.