about Karl
After
graduating with an economics degree in 1995, my path changed direction
and I chose to develop my hobby of woodwork.
I was an apprentice at "Fine Grain" Cabinet Makers in Corbridge, Northumberland, working exclusively with hardwoods, on small, bespoke furniture projects. An opportunity arose two years later to go and live and work in rural Tuscany for one year. There, I worked on small commissions in olive wood and chestnut and learned to speak Italian. In 1999, I returned to Manchester where I had done my degree, and became an apprentice to a pine furniture manufacturer, where I gained significant experience with large scale projects like hand-made fitted bedrooms and kitchens.
In 2000 I was awarded a grant from the Prince's Trust to set up my own bespoke woodworking business.
I have been in my current Chorlton workshops since 2001. I also live in Chorlton with my wife Caroline and two small children Ethan and Frances.