Presented by Simeon Dux

The ‘Shaker Nightstand’ course represents the perfect course for the beginner. It also happens to be the first compulsory project under taken by all students at the prestigious North Bennet Street School in Boston, USA – a school dedicated to traditional skills. This course runs for 22 consecutive weeks.

Presented by Lee Gratton

The stool that we will be making during this 10 week course has its origins in the Shaker life. It represents a great opportunity to master both the skills of ‘hand cut dovetails’ and ‘mortise and tenon’ joinery. One aspect of this course that sets it aside from the other courses that we run, is that there will be no machinery used to produce your stool. Hand tools only! 

Presented by Lee Gratton

The stool that we will be making during this 10 week course has its origins in the Shaker life. It represents a great opportunity to master both the skills of ‘hand cut dovetails’ and ‘mortise and tenon’ joinery. One aspect of this course that sets it aside from the other courses that we run, is that there will be no machinery used to produce your stool. Hand tools only! 

Presented by Veronica Sexton

* Includes wood & the use of tools

This is a great way to learn some of the basics of wood carving under the guidance and tuition of the incredibly talented Ronnie Sexton. Ronnie graduated in carving and guilding in 1994 at the London School of Art. She won the coveted ‘William Wheeler’ prize for outstanding work and was part of a selected group of artisans chosen to work on the five year restoration of ‘Windsor Castle’ which had been damaged by fire.

Presented by Lee Gratton

North Bennet Street School in Boston is one America’s oldest ‘Artisans’ colleges. It was established in 1881 and runs a total of 7 different programs, one of which is a prestigious 2 Year Furniture Making Course. It is a ‘hand skilled’ based program centred around the designs of the 18th Century. At some point of the program, students must participate in a proficiency test. This test has been conducted for nearly 50 years now and requires the student to make an 18th Century Candle Box from Mahogany as quickly as they can. There is no score at the end of the test, just a verbal assessment based on time and accuracy.

Presented by Simeon Dux

Most people, I’m sure would feel that hand cut dovetails are a daunting prospect and way beyond their skill level. Yet hand cut dovetails still represent around the world a standard of excellence that is easy to recognize by everyone. Mortice and tenons and dovetails have always been the most common form of joinery for every piece of furniture.

Presented by Matt Stonehouse

Adapting the classic Shaker oval box, we present to you the ‘Shaker Bentwood Tray’ course.
While not traditional, this form echoes the look of iconic Shaker box tops. Like the oval boxes, these trays possess grace, simplicity and great utility. They make the perfect gift and like oval boxes, they nest for compact storage.

Students will learn to bevel, steam and bend Shaker tray bands and fit and tack them to tray bottoms. It will be possible to make up to 3 trays per class – from sizes 8 , 10 & 12. The measurements of size 12 (the largest tray) is 550mm x 380mm.

Presented by Matt Stonehouse

This course is recommended for those who have already completed the ‘Introductory’ course to Shaker Bentwood Boxes (Numbers 1, 2 & 3).

During this course we will be producing only 2 boxes - Sizes: 6 & 7. We are only producing 2 boxes due to their large sizes. Larger boxes take more time to prepare & create. ‘Shaker Oval Boxes’ are recognized artifacts of Shaker life and work. First made over two hundred years ago, these containers were made for community use and for sale to the ‘world’s people’ until well into the 20th Century. They were used to hold food stuffs in the pantry, buttons for the seamstress and tacks in the shop. Graceful, well made and of widespread utility, they represent virtues of the Shaker order itself.

Presented by Matt Stonehouse

This course is recommended for those who have already completed the ‘Introductory’ course to Shaker Bentwood Boxes (Numbers 1, 2 & 3).

During the course we will be producing Box sizes - 3, 4 and 5. ‘Shaker Oval Boxes’ are recognized artifacts of Shaker life and work. First made over two hundred years ago, these containers were made for community use and for sale to the ‘world’s people’ until well into the 20th Century. They were used to hold food stuffs in the pantry, buttons for the seamstress and tacks in the shop. Graceful, well made and of widespread utility, they represent virtues of the Shaker order itself.

Presented by Matt Stonehouse

‘Shaker Oval Boxes’ are recognized artifacts of Shaker life and work. First made over two hundred years ago, these containers were made for community use and for sale to the ‘world’s people’ until well into the 20th Century. They were used to hold food stuffs in the pantry, buttons for the seamstress and tacks in the shop. Graceful, well made and of widespread utility, they represent virtues of the Shaker order itself.

Presented by Jon Grant

This Perch is a great opportunity to introduce you to the world of ‘Windsor’ chair making and the techniques associated with this iconic style. Ideal for beginners and those seeking the ‘Windsor’ chair experience without the intensity of a six day course.

Presented by Mark Gudgin

This is a very comprehensive one day sharpening course. The importance of this topic is ALWAYS overlooked to the detriment of your furniture making. Good woodworking absolutely starts with sharp tools and well tuned hand planes.

Presented by Hugh Anderson

The Roorkee Chair belongs to the genre of Campaign Furniture. In the days of empires, there was a need for rugged, sturdy and simple furniture for military campaigns. Originally designed to be used by British Army Officers in India. They needed a chair that was light in weight, could be folded up, carried around easily and loaded onto a pack horse.

Presented by Sue Wraight

Susan Wraight is a Melbourne based woodcarver who works on a miniature scale. Her work has been purchased by institutions such as the British Museum and the National Gallery of Australia, and private collectors include Prince Takamado of Japan.

Presented by Jon Grant

This is the Melbourne Guild’s third chair resulting from Peter Galbert’s teaching visit to Australia. This iconic Windsor chair rocker will undoubtedly interest those who have already completed our introductory Fan Back Windsor chair.

Presented by Jon Grant

Democratic Chair notes by Jon Grant. Recently designed by Curtis Buchanan, the Democratic Chair is so much more than the simple chair you may see at first glance. Being besotted by the baluster turnings and carved volutes of traditional Windsor Chairs, my first impression of the Democratic Chair was that it was somewhat understated if not naïve in style. How wrong I was!

Presented by Jon Grant

Designed by Curtis Buchanan, Velda’s Arm Chair is a contemporary take on a traditional Windsor Chair. Large in proportions this chair has a striking presence with its high tapered back posts and broad seat. Simple turnings and long tapered spindles add to its clean lines.