Matthew Smith

I specialise in creating and restoring fine hand built furniture and jewellery boxes, from a workshop on the outskirts of Bath. All work is created using traditional methods and craftsmanship to produce items of beauty and quality.

Handmade furniture

All my furniture is handmade and built to my own designs, inspired by 18^th and 19^th century tradition.  Items can be personalised with carved or inlaid initials, dates or phrases. I construct each piece from exceptional quality hardwood, mostly native oak, ash and elm, plus imported walnut, maple and mahogany. I make all items of free-standing furniture, including desks, chairs, dining tables, coffee tables, sideboards, display cabinets, bureaux, and bookcases.

Jewellery Boxes, writing slopes, watch boxes, ring boxes, cufflink boxes, collectors boxes

These can all be made to any shape or size and to fit whichever items you wish.  All are fitted with solid brass locks and hinges. Boxes can be lined with a selection of felts or velvets and make ideal gifts.

Humidors/cigar boxes

Humidors can be made to any shape and size. They are fitted with a hygrometer and are always lined with cedar wood.

Furniture restoration

I undertake a full range of furniture restoration, including French polishing. In deciding to what extent a piece should be restored I try to confine the work to the minimum necessary, aiming to leave it in the same condition one would expect if it had been carefully used and polished throughout its life.

French Polishing

Many of my boxes look stunning when French polished using traditional shellac polish.  French polishing brings out a beauty in the wood which no other wood finish can better.