About Tim Chadsey's design philosophy

Tim Chadsey furniture

Born in Toronto I came to England to study photography and settled in London working as a still-life photographer for 25 years.

One of my first photo commissions was for a bespoke furniture company and I was deeply impressed by the beauty of the wood and the quality of the craftsmanship. The memory of this stayed with me so it seemed natural when I was looking for a new creative focus that I turned to furniture making.

Following an intensive course of training with Jonathan Markovitz I joined the workshop of Alan Englefield where I worked on commissions for some of England’s finest designers and have now set up my own workshop.

I use British, European and North American hardwoods and, where appropriate, veneers. With these woods my clients and I can be certain of their origin and sustainability. Where possible and appropriate I like to reuse old pieces of furniture. The side table to the left is a case in point. It is made from Cuban mahogany which is a wood that is virtually extinct due to over logging in the 19th and 20th centuries. The only way to find this wonderful wood, far more beautiful than any other mahogany, is to recycle old pieces of furniture. In this case a badly damaged late Victorian drop leaf table. The lacewood used for the drawers and drawer pull were also part of the table. Reuse of wood in this manner is to be encouraged and if you have a piece that could be given a new lease of life I would be very glad to discuss it with you.

My design sensibility, the essence of which is simplicity and elegance, is formed by many varied influences. The wood is obviously central – its texture, colour and grain affect not only the end result but how I think about a piece at the very beginning of the design process. Inspiration comes also from other kinds of design whether it is graphic, product, architectural or nature itself while my years as a photographer have given me an instinctive visual awareness and perception.

Underpinning all this is my belief that furniture made to truly good design, rather than just following fashion, is and will always remain of enduring appeal.