Rupert Griffiths: Rupert Griffiths produced fine handmade oak furniture in Derbyshire since 1946, based on traditional English furniture design and the Arts and Crafts movement. He sold his furniture through top retail stores, including Harrods, until 1968 and after that directly from his workshops. All the furniture is made of solid, thoroughly seasoned oak and using centuries old hand crafting methods, with very distinctive designs and has a strength, style and finish not available in mass produced furniture. His son Nigel continues to run the business

English Oak: The most British of woods, that can produce really special results. English oak has been used for hundreds of years to construct everything from sea-going vessels to fine furniture. Although oak grows widely across Europe and North America, craftsmen continue to cherish English oak which grows more slowly than its foreign counterparts giving it strength, durability. Quarter sawn boards are very straight grained and have distinctive growth rings and medullary rays that give a very beautiful effect as well as being renowned for their superior stability and strength

From the very earliest days of the Art & Crafts movement John Ruskin and architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin promoted the Gothic period as their inspiration. Its designs used traditional techniques and materials, with the craftsman and craftsmanship at the centre of the construction process. The traditional forms allow the makers to showcase their skills as a natural part of construction rather than having to use fancy add ons or flashy finishes