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.