Meet Your Maker // Anna Nicoles – ALN Furniture
Nestled away in the walls of our workshop lives Anna Nicoles; One of our resident makers. She is an incredibly talented yet humble being. Forever creating elegant and architectural pieces of furniture. We regularly get drawn into Anna’s bay to admire her work and hear stories of hill walking, skiing and travel adventures. Take a moment to read about her journey in furniture making below.
What started your journey into woodwork ?
I have been creative and interested in ‘Art and Design’ from a young age at school. I made my first piece of furniture, a rocking chair, as my final year A-level project. My teacher brought in his own wood lathe for us to have a go on. Which was my first introduction to woodwork and wood turning. I was hooked working with wood from this point.
If you could describe your work in three words – what would they be?
Creative, bespoke furniture
Who (or what) do you take inspiration from ?
I take inspiration from the natural world around us and architectural forms.
What project would you like to work on in the future ?
I would like to build my own eco-friendly workshop and home.
Which designers inspire your practice ?
John Makepeace and specifically his Millennium Chair.
The Scottish Bothy Bible and Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
If you could collaborate with any maker (dead or alive) who would that be?
Ron Arad who is a contemporary industrial designer, artist, and architect.
What makes you call EOW home ?
EOW feels like home, because I am always there in my studio space.
Where should people start if they want to get into woodwork ?
If you cannot find a college course to sign up for, EOW offer woodworking classes. If you cannot think of a project; The best way to start is to make something for your home, a friend or family member. Set yourself a project. Do not pick anything challenging to start with. Start with a simple design. If you are struggling to come up with ideas, I started with woodwork books with guidelines that had loads of projects you can try out. As your confidence grows, you will then explore more complicated designs.
What is your favourite timber to work with?
Scottish Ash.
What services do you provide and how best do people get in contact with you ?
I am a furniture maker/designer and wood turner. I make bespoke furniture to commission; Dining tables, chairs, cabinets, fitted wardrobes and custom woodwork. Bespoke wood turned spindles, furniture, and bowls.
I also offer woodwork and woodturning classes at EOW.
Check out Anna’s website here and sign up to the newsletter to keep up to date with all her projects and courses available. You can also find all her contact information for commissions on the website.
