Business Details
47 Years
experience
Bespoke Furniture Design & Woodworking Classes in Somerset
Established in 1979, Tom Kealy is a renowned furniture designer, maker, and tutor with over four decades of experience in crafting bespoke wooden furniture. Specialising in commission-based designs, the business has collaborated with esteemed designers like Wales & Wales and Illingworth & Partridge, contributing to award-winning pieces such as the Somerset Chair and Grace longcase clock. With a focus on education, the business now offers tailored woodworking classes and short courses at prestigious institutions, including West Dean College and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine, USA. The workshop in Somerset serves as a hub for weekly classes, while the founders expertise in laminate bending, steam bending, and traditional joinery techniques continues to inspire students globally.Recognised by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers for Guild Mark awards, the business combines heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation. Clients benefit from a legacy of excellence, personalised tuition, and access to a network of skilled artisans. The gallery showcases both the founders award-winning work and student creations, reflecting a commitment to nurturing craftsmanship across generations.
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
Woodworking Classes
Short Course Tuition
Collaborative Projects
Award-Winning Craftsmanship
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of experience in bespoke furniture design and craftsmanship
- Award-winning collaborations with renowned designers and artisans
- Tailored woodworking classes for beginners and experienced makers
- Recognised by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers for excellence
- International teaching partnerships at prestigious institutions
Associations and certifications
- Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers
Services
Bespoke Furniture Design
Crafting unique, commission-based furniture pieces tailored to client specifications. Combines traditional techniques with modern design, using high-quality materials for durable, artistic results. Ideal for clients seeking one-of-a-kind additions to their homes or collections.
Woodworking Classes
Weekly workshops in Somerset offering hands-on tuition for all skill levels. Focuses on foundational and advanced techniques, including joinery and tool use. Designed to empower students to create their own furniture projects with confidence.
Short Course Tuition
Specialist courses at West Dean College and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. Covers niche skills like steam bending and laminating. Provides structured learning for specific techniques in a condensed timeframe, led by industry experts.
Collaborative Projects
Working with multidisciplinary craftsmen to create innovative pieces, such as the Grace longcase clock. Merges expertise in woodwork with other crafts for unique, technically advanced designs that push creative boundaries.
Award-Winning Craftsmanship
Recognised by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers for Guild Mark awards. Highlights include the Somerset Chair and Grace longcase clock, showcasing precision, artistry, and adherence to the highest standards in furniture making.
People
Tom Kealy
Furniture Designer, Maker, and Tutor
With over 40 years of experience, Tom Kealy is a master furniture designer and tutor. He trained at Parnham College and has collaborated with leading designers, winning Guild Mark awards. He now shares his expertise through classes and international workshops.
Questions
What types of furniture do you design?
We specialise in bespoke wooden furniture, including chairs, cabinets, and collaborative pieces like longcase clocks, tailored to client specifications.
Are your classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, our weekly classes and short courses cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced woodworkers.
Where are your workshops located?
Our main workshop is in Somerset, with short courses also held at West Dean College (West Sussex) and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship (Maine, USA).
Do you offer international teaching opportunities?
Yes, we regularly teach at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine, USA, and collaborate with global artisans.
What awards have you received?
Our work, including the Somerset Chair and Grace longcase clock, has received Guild Mark awards from the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.
