Chests

The chest is perhaps the most enduring form of furniture for storing peoples’ most treasured possessions. Used by brides, seafarers, craftsmen, explorers, soldiers and pirates, chests always have stories behind them. I love making them for that reason.

I make chests the traditional way from solid timber, with a ‘six board’ construction and strong, dovetailed corners. Lids are supported with solid brass or woven stays. They can be fastened if necessary with lock and key, a padlock, or as in the times of the Pharaohs, with cords.

Inside, there’s quite a choice of fittings including trays and secret compartments. The Ash ‘tool’ chest is also just the right size for a dozen or more bottles of fairly passable Côtes du Rhône in wooden cradles ...hmmm, nice present.