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14 Cottage St
Blackburn, VIC, 3130
Australia

0413 537 490

The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking was founded by Alastair Boell in 2007. After graduating from the world renowned North Bennet Street School, Boston (USA) Alastair felt that there was a great need in Australia for an educational facility that focuses on traditional skills. 

The Guild is committed to preserving and advancing craft traditions in furniture making. We are also committed to promoting a greater awareness and appreciation of
craftsmanship. In our classes we emphasize the skillful use of hand tools and power equipment and an informed use of appropriate materials. We are passionate about what we do and want to share information, ideas and skills with all our students young and old, from beginner to advanced.

People

Jon Grant

Tom Beattie

Jon’s strong sense of place comes from several generations of his family living in Tasmania. He holds a deep connection with the landscape of his island home and an affinity with the beautiful and unique timbers that grow in the cool temperate forests.

Jon’s inspiration is centred on working in a simple way using handtools wherever possible and keeping a ‘line of sight’ to the tree from which the timber originated. Whilst he has worked across a range of creative fields over the years, Windsor Chairmaking fits perfectly within this framework. A woodworking interpretation of ‘Paddock to Plate’ if you like!

Jon brings his background as a skilled educator of 30 years in the public vocational education sector to the experience he shares with those who work with him. He now dedicates all his time to this craft and believes strongly in the role creativity plays in our sense of fulfilment and wellbeing.

In pursuit of his love of making Windsor Chairs Jon travels regularly to the US and works with many of the masters of the craft. Jon’s work is strongly aligned with the American style of Windsor Chairmaking and the experience he has gained through this is evident in both his making processes and the chairs he produces.

Further reading about Jon and why handmade matters here.

 
categories Instructors, Maker
tags Guest, Jon Grant, Furniture Maker