After studying carpentry and joinery Jonathan worked as an apprentice before becoming a self employed furniture designer and maker in 1981.

His aim is to make furniture that people will enjoy using and find beautiful for years to come. 

The fanback chairs, one of which is included in the New Scottish Furniture 2007 exhibition in Edinburgh from 8 August to 2 September 2007,  have sycamore backs, steambent and twisted then stack laminated with coopered wedges of Scottish cherry and oak and are inspired by the cellular structures in wood and the intimacy between body and chair.  He explains “There is an affinity between the natural curve and spring of bent wood and the curves and shape of our bodies that can produce exceptional comfort and support.

“I draw inspiration and influences from ancient furniture to vernacular styles, from neo-classical to contemporary and Arts and Crafts design, woven together with ideas sparked during the making process; patterns created by furniture components stacked on the work bench or the interesting shapes created by a pile of offcuts.  Other areas of inspiration are related trades, boat building, musical instrument making and wheelwrights.

“I strive for elegance and economy and believe beauty comes from human creativity in the face of difficulty.”

His clients include the National Trust for Scotland and he exhibits regularly with the Scottish Furniture Association and Visual Arts Scotland.

Contact Jonathan

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