Chris Tribe: Furniture Maker & Restorer

Charities

Tools for Self Reliance
As a furniture maker my tools are my livelihood and I have a special relationship with them. Many craftmen in the developing world are not so lucky and do not have access to tools. Tools for Self Reliance seeks out unwanted tools, refurbishes them and ships them to craftsmen, mainly in Africa. They also campaign for a fairer deal for people in developing countries.
www.toolsforselfreliance.org.uk

Woodland Trust
I think most furniture makers feel a little guilty about the trees cut down to supply their business. To assuage my guilt slightly I make payments to the Woodland Trust, who work to maintain and extend native woodland.
www.woodlandtrust.co.uk

Tree Aid
TREE AID is the UK's only forestry-focused development charity providing funding and on-the-ground training and support to local organisations in the Sahel. TREE AID works where people need trees most: in the poorest villages in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, northern Ghana and Mali where 90% depend on trees for basic survival needs.
www.treeaid.org.uk/

Articles

Furniture and Cabinetmaking
I have contributed articles to this journal since 2003. I see these contributions as an adjunct to my teaching activities. Of the various journals devoted to woodwork I think this one is most relevant to contemorary furniture making.
www.thegmcgroup.com/item--Furniture-and-Cabinet-Making-Magazine--1010FC.html

Exhibitions and Galleries

I occasionally exhibit speculative pieces at galleries and exhibitions throughout the country.

Designer Makers Gallery of Contemporay Furniture
The Designer Makers Gallery of Contemporary Furniture is attached to my workshop in Blubberhouses. It displays my work and that of three other designer makers, David Wilson of Woodb, John Gabler and Philip Dobbins, plus other invited crafts people. Well worth a visit.
www.designermakers.co.uk/

Celebration of Craftmanship and Design
This annual exhibition, held annually in Cheltenham, is the premier contemporary furniture exhibition in the UK. It showcases the work of the top designer makers in the country. I am pleased to be an exhibitor.
www.celebrationofcraftsmanship.com/

Ferrers Gallery
This gallery,set in beautiful countryside near Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, features high quality crafts including contemporary furniture. I currently have the curve cabinet and table exhibited there.
www.ferrersgallery.co.uk/

Craftspeople

The businesses and craftspeople listed here are those I have worked with or who have supplied components for my work, or they may be people I have taught in the past.

Sinclair Harding
I am very fortunate to have Sinclair Harding just up the road from my workshop. They are very obliging in making bespoke brass fittings for my furniture, which I am unable to source from manufaturers. They also make the most amazing clocks!
www.clockmakers.com/

The Cabinet Maker's Workshop
The Cabinet Maker's Workshop, based in Stockport, are Duncan Cheslett and John Beswick. Their motto is "You draw it - we'll make it". They specialise in fitted furniture. I can recommend them if you are south of Manchester.
www.thecabinetmakers.com/

Garry Olson
Garry is one of the best craftsmen I know. Firmly in the Arts and Crafts tradition his understated pieces exhude the quality of his workmanship. His workshop is in Wilmslow, Cheshire. He is also well known in the furniture making community as the driving force, with Peter Toaig, of the influencial "One Tree Project".
www.garryolson.co.uk/

John Birdsall
I taught John for a number of years at a local evening class. I always had a sneeking suspicion that he knew as much as me! He is now procucing some very interesting and attractive turned forms.
www.johnbirdsall.talktalk.net/

Bentley and Clive
Rachel and Steve attended my restoration classes at Leeds College of Art. They have gone on to form a very sucessful business in North Yorkshire, offering restoration and bespoke cabinet making.
www.bentleyandclive.co.uk/

Shops and retailers

Just a list of some of the shops and retailers who I think have provided a paricularly good product or service

UK Furniture Manufacturers
Provides a directory for those looking for woodworking courses
www.ukfurniturecompany.co.uk

ASK Tools
Ask Tools in Birstall, West Yorkshire, sell an extensive range of woodturning tools and machines. They also run regular demonstrations. Many of my students have started a long interest in wood turning from their association with ASK Tools, so Russell, the owner, has a lot to answer for!
www.asktools.co.uk/

Workshop Heaven
Matthew's product knowledge and commitment to service is second to none. Specialising in the best woodworking tools available.
www.workshopheaven.com

inorthyorkshire
A search engine for those looking for businesses in North Yorkshire
www.inorthyorkshire.co.uk