ABOUT BIG BLACK HOUSE DESIGN Co.

Since graduating from University of Central Lancashire in 1999, with a degree in Three Dimensional Design (2:1 BA Hons), I set-up workshop as a designer-maker, specialising in contemporary wood and ironwork.

I launched my own company, Big Black House Design Co. in 2002 – so titled, as my home and thus, workshops, were once described by the local postman as ‘big and black and you can’t miss it’. The name stuck and has since been earning me a reputation for highly individual and creative work.

Initially, when I started as a designer-maker my main material was wood, and I specialised in producing contemporary articles including boxes, mirrors and small furniture pieces. However, not content with just working in one material I fulfilled a long standing passion for blacksmithing by enrolling for a course at Myerscough College, near Garstang.

This introduced a whole new dynamic to my work, and after learning to weld, I began to create a second line of work in wrought iron. This covered mainly gardenware, including everything from small items such as hanging baskets, obelisks and plant supports to larger work such as benches, gates and railings, and pergolas.

On the woodwork front I now have a beautifully crafted collection of keepsake and jewellery boxes, trinket boxes, mirrors and giftware. I hand select all my timber from local timber merchants and regularly use FSC certificated timber. Each piece is then individually crafted by myself.

All my work is very contemporary in design – I like to use traditional crafts to produce items that are fitting to today’s craft scene. Having two collections of work I usually try to display both elements. Each item is designed and crafted by myself. Work can either be bought from my current range or can be arranged on a commission basis.

Now in my seventh year of business, I have exhibited my work throughout the UK. These include collections at British Craft Trade Fair, Harrogate Spring Flower Show, RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, events in Manchester and as a member of Made In Yorkshire.