Newsletter – Spring 2025
James Mursell
Welcome!
Introduction
It has been a busy year to date, with five courses already under my belt! Tools have been heading off to their new homes, mainly to the US, and I am hoping that they will not succumb to tarrifs! I have a new course chair on offer, and you can find details below. Also, there’s an opportunity for two people to join a unique course to make a chair from Nantucket Island.
While the weather is taking a long time to warm up, it will not be long before I am at my first show at RHS Wisley gardens. By then the gardens should be in full bloom and perhaps you will come and visit – details below.
Finally, I have included details of two talented craftsmen who are both making Windsor chairs after attending a course here. I hope you enjoy looking at their work.
James Mursell
March 2025
Course Dates
There are now course dates through to the end of 2025 on my website. I have tried to space out courses for each chair and provide enough of the most popular designs. There are courses for my new sack back (American-style double bow chair) and just two places for a special chair from Nantucket Island (off Massachusetts). Details of both chairs and the course are below.
If you would like to book a course, please email/phone me to check availablility. I ask for a deposit to secure a place, with the balance payable when you are on the course.
If you are coming from a distance, we have two lovely self-catering cottages just yards from the workshop. I can let you know availability at the same time as the course.
Shows
My show season begins at the very beginning of May, at RHS Wisley with Craft in Focus. This is one of the finest craft shows in the country – further details below.
At the end of May, I will be at Ardingly College with the Sussex Guild, and then Pashley Manor, also with the Guild, for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Although it is a long way off, I am delighted that Craft in Focus will be running their craft show in November again at RHS Wisley, after a break last year – I will be there!
1-5 May (Thursday to Monday) Craft in Focus at RHS Wisley Gardens
This has to be my favourite show, and I have been exhibiting there for at least ten years. The gardens look spectacular at that time, so you have the benefit of seeing over 200 crafts people and the chance to wander around the gardens.
The weather last year was brutal, with wind, rain and low temperatures, but hopefully it will be kinder this year!
The roadworks on the A3/M25 junction are nearing completion and there is a new way into the gardens over a dedicated bridge. If you have not yet experienced the new layout, it is probably worth using satnav the first time.
Further details, including opening times: https://www.craftinfocus.com/next-fair/rhs-wisley-spring-2025
RHS members get in free, and non-members can get up to 25% off by booking tickets ahead of time: www.rhs.org.uk/wisley
31 May -1 June Sussex Guild Show at Ardingly College
This is the second year of this show. I was unable to make it last year due to COVID, but am hoping for better luck this time! The college buildings and location are superb, and it will be well worth a visit if you live in that direction.
Watch a video that give a flavour of what to expect: https://youtu.be/lGMf2_sotbw
I will circulate more details nearer the time.
New Chair
I try to keep my courses fresh by continually adding new designs that can be made. There has been a gap in my lineup for some time now, for an America-style double bow chair.
This new design is not a copy of an historic chair but is in the spirit of a style that was in fashion in the 1780’s. Being fairly plain and less familiar to British eyes, it has a timeless quality that will fit with both old and new furniture.
The chair is compact and is particularly comfortable due to the deeply sculpted seat and wrap-around arm.
The example shown is a prototype and I have painted it to cover up the wide range of woods that I have used and also because I love painting chairs! I will shortly be making a final version in plain wood and should have this on display at the Wisley show (see above) at the beginning of May.
The first course for this chair will be 7-11 July. Please get in touch if you are interested.
Nantucket Course
I included images of this chair in a previous newsletter and, like the sack back above, this is a prototype!
The design originates from Nantucket Island, off Massachusetts, and I have a group of five Americans, who are members of the Nantucket Historical Association, coming to my workshop 12-16 May to make this chair. They will assemble their chairs here without glue, flat pack them, and put them together at home.
I have two places for anyone who is interested in making this spectacular chair. You will need to have made a chair with me before.
The course chair will not be painted and, like the sack-back above, I will be making a plain wood example shortly.
Please get in touch if you are interested in attending the course. It will be a fun chair to make and an international experience!
Neil’s Classics
This section will give you an idea of the quality of chair that you can expect to make on one of my courses:
Neil has attended five of my courses to date, making three Classic double bows and a 2-seat settee, and the now retired Ergo. Following a course earlier in the year, he sent me an image of his three ‘Classics’, made in 2018, 2019 and this year. There are very subtle differences between them, but they are a fine set!
If Neil is up for it, I look forward to seeing him back in the workshop at some point!
Finn & Patrick - Chairmakers
Every now and again, I like to include pieces about people who have gone on to make chairs after taking a course with me.
Both Finn and Patrick were already professional woodworkers when they came on their course and now are producing chairs, and other furniture to sell. Inevitably they have different approaches, but one of the joys of Windsor chair making is that it can be so diverse.
You don’t have to be an existing woodworker to get hooked on making chairs – just look at me! Once you get to a certain level there is a market for them and making chairs can be a most satisfying, paying hobby.
Finn Koefoed-Nielsen
Website: http://www.finnkn.com/
Finn is producing a range of Windsor chairs from his workshop in Buckinghamshire. His website tells you about his story and what he is making. I particularly recommend reading his ‘News’ section: https://www.finnkn.com/news
Also, have a look at his excellent history of Windsor chairs: https://www.finnkn.com/history-of-the-windsor-chair
Patrick Legard
Website: http://www.legards.co.uk/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/legards_furniture
Patrick makes a range of modern furniture but is particularly enjoying making chairs. Check out his Instagram feed to see his work and process. I just love his ‘ring stretchers’ – quite a signature!
