Henk Littlewood – Artisan Furniture Maker
By remaining true to his past, Henk Littlewood has carved a unique approach to artisan furniture making. As a former zoologist, he spent a great deal of time immersed in the intricate world of insects – termites, centipedes and insect eyes were a particular focus that fostered an early interest with form. Keen to apply this insight to a more hands-on pursuit, he transitioned to a professional woodworker, taking the experience of his previous career in biology to inform the structure and style of his woodwork. Furthermore, his holistic appreciation for the natural world is central to the ethos of his eco-friendly business – from the selection of responsibly sourced timber, to the location of the workshop to minimise his carbon footprint. He undertakes both indoor and outdoor pieces, including commemorative work, gifts and public art, and makes with local hardwoods using traditional techniques and hand tools.
Inspiration
Henk began his forays into woodworking with building planes from balsa wood, and went on to apply this growing passion at school. He had the good fortune to land in the class of a teacher who had a penchant for recognising potential and nurturing interests. As such, Henk’s curiosity and enthusiasm were rewarded with evermore challenging constructions, and the use of lathes, thicknessers and mortisers.
Since then, Henk has been a professional researcher in neuroscience and physiology, a teacher and a countryside ranger. Throughout these tenures he has continually kept a hand in woodworking – partly out of enjoyment, but also to give balance to his life. Drawing on his previous professions for inspiration, Henk went full time as a professional furniture maker in 2013. He muses on his natural surroundings, and has a keen interest in antique Chinese modular furniture and the architecture of Antoni Gaudí.
With Henk’s use of curves, these influences are clearly apparent in his work; even with the briefest of looks. His website showcases an impressive catalogue of achievements to date, including handcrafted bed frames, custom cabinets, wooden chairs and desks, sturdy gates and doors, stylish mirrors, personalised wooden gifts – even custom knives and whittled spoons.
Design process
Henk explains, spending a lot of time speaking with his clients is crucial to achieve truly bespoke pieces. He hand draws his designs and consults in detail to bring out the creativity in his client, and to push what is possible according to his skills and knowledge. For Henk, the greatest reward is discovering that a piece of work has become an integral part of a client’s life.
Making process
A mixture of power tools, hand tools and traditional techniques – including woodcarving, are the primary methods of production. Henk drew early inspiration from his father’s position a master carpenter, and that strand of family tradition runs on in his workshop; he tells me his father’s vintage mortice gauge is used almost daily. To add a personal touch, Henk often includes beautifully inlaid forms to bring out a client’s interests, or to celebrate a fond memory.
Materials
Henk only uses hardwoods; preferably air dried and almost exclusively native species: ash, oak, yew, wych elm, beech, sycamore, sweet chestnut and cherry. He prefers not to use exotics because of the detrimental impact on tropical forest, but will consider them if recycled. Interestingly, he also sources wood locally to keep his carbon footprint minimal. For extra flair, he sometimes incorporates diseased and damaged wood to showcase details and highlight the more artistic forms of wood grain, such as twists, knots and contortions.
Henk now works fully on-site of a timber yard, situated Northwest of Sheffield. As such, he has the advantage of first choice, ensuring the highest quality materials and minimum carbon footprint.
The finish
All of Henk’s pieces are unique. He rarely repeats a design (with the exception of chairs). Durability is also an important factor in Henk’s work. Much like the insects he used to study, things need to be built to endure the wear and stresses of use and time, lending a style and value for money for the client. Henk’s work remains competitively priced, providing South Yorkshire and further afield with a bespoke furniture service that is affordable.
Henk recently joined The Guild of Master craftsman in recognition of his unique approach to crafting excellence, and to showcase his exceptional work to a broader scope of clientele.
The Guild of Master Craftsmen provides consumers with a database of skilled and reputable professionals who are masters of their trade. Findacraftsman.com is the only place that lists members of The Guild. Here you can easily find a vetted and recommended tradesman or artisan you can trust, wherever you are based.
To find out more, visit:
You can also call:
07794 564 227, or
email – henk617@me.com.