The Team
Since 2007, we have been delivering consistently high quality teaching. Our tutors have extensive and proven track records within the field of fine furniture making, photography, carving and digital technology. We are committed to combining commercial practice and intelligent design with making and education. We strongly believe (having experienced this ourselves) that having the opportunity to learn from leading practitioners in a professional environment alongside extremely talented people, is unique, inspiring and above all rewarding for all.
As well as visiting tutors, our core team includes the permanent team below.
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As the head workshop tutor, Justin provides hands-on tutoring in making skills and workshop techniques.
In addition to being an extremely skilled craftsman, Justin has over 30 years experience in running a highly successful fine furniture business. After completing his fine furniture craft and management degree at Buckinghamshire college, Justin worked for a craftsman in the New Forest before setting up Williams & Cleal Furniture with Jane in 1990.
" I am passionate about making beautiful bespoke furniture. The team and I pride ourselves on the level of detail and precision we obtain in our creations. I now thoroughly enjoy passing on my knowledge, skills and creativity to the next generation”
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As principal and tutor, Jane brings over 30 years experience. As well as being an award-winning designer and maker, she also has a proven track record as a qualified higher education lecturer teaching to degree level.
Since establishing Williams & Cleal with Justin in 1990, she has worked in all areas of their business and now successfully translates this experience into her teaching in the workshop.
"In 1988 I attended a lecture by Alan Peters OBE. I was very inspired, so approached him and successfully obtained an apprenticeship. He was a very important figure with direct links to the Arts and Crafts movement, having been apprenticed to Edward Barnsley, and was a pioneer of the seventies British craft revival . I owe him a great debt. To learn from someone described as ‘the maker’s maker’ has been invaluable. My experiences as a designer, maker and lecturer help ensure Williams & Cleal offer exceptional, dynamic and rewarding furniture making courses".
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Oli is a trained Fine Furniture Maker with experience working in both the Carpentry and Joinery trades, as well as in Product Design at further education level.
In 2019, Oli completed the Professional Full Time Fine Furniture Designer Maker course here at Williams & Cleal, and from the outset showed a natural flair for making and consistently achieved work to high standards.
Oli can be found lending his expertise to students as a CAD tutor and Assistant Workshop Tutor. He also works in the commissions arm of Williams & Cleal making high end bespoke furniture. Oli is proficient in Rhino 3D and runs our CAD sessions that progress students from beginner level to being confident at drawing up their own designs. You'll also find Oli tutoring our short weekend fine woodworking and furniture making courses.
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Jan is a highly accomplished maker and designer who runs her own successful bespoke furniture business two miles from the school. She brings a wealth of experience in Design and CGI. Sharing her expertise on a weekly basis, Jan tutors our students in drawing and sketching techniques and producing conceptual sketches for clients.
Jan graduated from the Professional 40 Week Course in 2017. Her final course project, the 'Meala' dressing table, went on to secure a Merit of Excellence by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, and her work has since been featured in several exhibitions, woodworking and interiors publications.
She is a graduate of the Craft Council's Hothouse programme 2019 and continues to make furniture tailored to its owner and use at the forefront of her design.
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Sue heads up our accounts and business administration - both for our school and bespoke furniture business.
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Poppy has a background in design and a passion for all craft, having studied Design for Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
You’ll find her in the office answering your calls and emails, videoing up-close wood textures for Instagram and helping with any student needs, administrative tasks and enquiries.
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Lizzy has many years of woodcarving experience, having originally studied the craft at a specialist woodcarving school in Finland. Lizzy bought her woodworking expertise back to the UK, where she has worked on exquisite high end projects for many well known fine furniture companies. She has carved both architectural and sculptural pieces throughout her career.
FINE FURNITURE DESIGNER MAKER SERIES - THE PROFESSIONAL
Take your skills to the next level
An ideal course to master fine woodworking and furniture design and making techniques. Develop your existing skills for personal use and learn from our expert tutors how to start your own business.