Adrian Parfitt
For over half a century, I've been immersed in the art of woodworking, dedicating 35 years to running my own business crafting both fitted and freestanding furniture. My love affair with woodworking began at the tender age of 11, the moment I stepped into my new school's woodwork shop, and it's a passion that burns brightly to this day. Although I've shifted to part-time work in the golden years of what could be called 'semi-retirement', my devotion hasn't waned. Nestled in my garden is a quaint studio where I bring to life two or three exquisite pieces annually. These creations are a mix of commissions and pieces destined for the esteemed Suffolk Craft Society shows.
I have a deep appreciation for the beauty and integrity of northern hemisphere hardwoods—Oak, Ash, and Walnut are my materials of choice, sourced from a trusted sawmill for over four decades. The mill's owner, a venerable figure in the trade, has been a constant in this enduring relationship.
My furniture is a testament to the timeless techniques of traditional joinery: mortise and tenons, dovetails, and halving joints form the backbone of my work. In addition, I've embraced wood lamination to sculpt shapes that solid wood alone could never achieve. This exploration of lamination is something I'm eager to delve deeper into, now that I have more time to dedicate to my craft in semi-retirement.
