Alastair Boell
Tom Beattie
Alastair Boell was awarded a Bachelor of Education (Arts and Crafts) at Melbourne University, majoring in ‘Furniture Making’ in 1990. A month after graduating, he moved to Japan, where he taught English and made furniture for his own pleasure for eight years. While living there, he became heavily influenced by the Japanese design aesthetic.
In 2003, Alastair travelled to Boston, in the USA , where he studied furniture making at the world-renowned North Bennet Street School . This school specializes in 18th and 19th Century hand skills. He is the first Australian to have graduated from this school. During his two years in the USA he also helped to restore an old diner and took part in a traditional barn raising.
Alastair returned to Australia in 2005. This same year, Alastair won ‘The Carba-Tec Award for Craftsmanship’ at the ‘Touchwood Exhibition in 2005’. He has also appeared on the front cover of the 49th issue of ‘The Australian Wood Review’ magazine. In 2006, Alastair was chosen to exhibit his work in the ‘Masters Exhibition at the Timber Working with Wood Show’. Alastair also won ‘The Box Making Award’ for his toolbox at the ‘Timber Working with Wood Show in 2007.’
In 2008, Alastair completed his dream of establishing a workshop and school – ‘The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking’.
