Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Premier Fine Woodworking & Furniture Making School in Somerset
Established in 2007, Williams & Cleal is a distinguished fine woodworking and furniture making school dedicated to nurturing skilled artisans. Our tutors bring over 30 years of combined experience in commercial furniture making, design, and education, ensuring students receive hands-on training in traditional and modern techniques. We prioritise small class sizes to provide personalised guidance, helping students develop their creative potential and technical precision. Our curriculum bridges practical craftsmanship with business acumen, preparing graduates to launch successful careers or independent ventures.With a strong industry reputation and partnerships with leading organisations, we offer a supportive community where students can thrive. Our alumni consistently achieve exceptional standards, many progressing to establish their own businesses. Located in a serene Somerset setting, our workshops provide an inspiring environment for mastering the craft. We maintain rigorous quality standards, combining heritage skills with contemporary innovation to produce furniture of enduring value.
Services
One Year Fine Furniture Course
Bespoke Woodworking Training
Weekend Woodcarving Workshops
Danish Cord Weaving Classes
CAD Design Instruction
Digital Fabrication Training
Short Introduction Courses
Laser Cutting Services
CNC Machining Tuition
Portfolio Development Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined tutor experience in commercial furniture making
- Our graduates consistently launch successful independent furniture businesses
- Award-winning instructors combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques
- Small class sizes ensure personalised, hands-on learning experiences
- Industry partnerships provide real-world networking and career opportunities
What people say
Fantastic course
Excellent reputation
Award winning tutors
Supportive community
Lifelong skills
Services
One Year Fine Furniture Course
This comprehensive programme develops advanced woodworking and design skills over 12 months. Students master traditional hand techniques alongside modern digital fabrication methods. The curriculum includes business training to prepare graduates for professional practice, with portfolio development and client project experience.
Weekend Woodcarving Workshops
Intensive weekend sessions teaching fundamental carving techniques using professional tools. Participants create finished pieces while learning safety practices and design principles. Suitable for complete beginners through experienced makers seeking skill refinement.
CAD Design Instruction
Specialised Rhino 3D software training tailored for furniture design applications. Students learn to create technical drawings and 3D models for production planning. Instruction progresses from basic interface navigation to complex design visualisation techniques.
Digital Fabrication Training
Hands-on tuition with laser cutters and CNC routers for precision woodworking. Covers digital workflow integration, material optimisation, and safety protocols. Students apply techniques to create intricate components for their furniture projects.
Short Introduction Courses
Three-day programmes introducing core woodworking fundamentals. Participants complete a small furniture project while learning hand tool techniques and workshop safety. Designed for absolute beginners to build confidence and foundational skills.
People
Justin Williams
Workshop Tutor
Co-founder with 30+ years furniture making experience. Specialises in traditional hand techniques and business development coaching. Teaches practical skills while sharing insights from running a successful workshop.
Jane Cleal
Principal Tutor
Award-winning designer-maker and qualified higher education lecturer. Combines academic expertise with practical industry knowledge. Focuses on design innovation and technical precision in student projects.
Oli Burley
CAD Tutor
Graduate-turned-instructor specialising in digital design. Teaches Rhino 3D software and assists with commissions work. Brings contemporary perspective to traditional woodworking practices.
Olly Hampton
Digital Lab Manager
Software engineer and maker with expertise in digital fabrication. Manages laser cutting and CNC equipment. Integrates technology with traditional techniques in student projects.
Jan Hendzel
Design Tutor
Successful bespoke furniture maker teaching drawing and conceptual design. Shares practical experience from her award-winning business. Focuses on developing students' unique design identities.
Questions
What experience is required for your courses?
Courses cater to all levels from complete beginners to experienced makers. No prior experience needed for introductory courses, while advanced programmes require basic woodworking knowledge.
Are accommodation options available?
Local accommodation options include shared housing, private rentals, and campsites. We can connect students with nearby landlords and assist with finding suitable housing.
How does the location benefit students?
Our rural Somerset setting provides a peaceful creative environment with access to Exmoor National Park and coastal areas. The location offers inspiration while remaining accessible to major cities.
Do you offer business development support?
Yes, our year-long course includes business training covering marketing, pricing, client communication, and workshop management to prepare graduates for professional practice.
What tools and equipment are available?
Students have access to fully equipped workshops with hand tools, power tools, CNC machines, and laser cutters. All necessary equipment is provided for course projects.
