New dining furniture is made from ash from UK woodlands and travels only 180 miles from forest to store
Did you know that this week is Grown in Britain week? All across the country events have been taking place to encourage people into British woodlands as well as to highlight the products that can been made from wood from UK forests. The whole week’s celebrations were kicked off by an exclusive preview at Heal’s of their new Cranborne collection – a 3-piece range of dining room furniture that is entirely designed, grown and made in Britain.
Bench and table from the Heal’s Cranborne collection
The life of this new Heal’s furniture collection begins on the Cranborne Estate in Dorset where the ash trees are felled. The wood then travels to Tyler Hardwoods in Wiltshire for it to be prepared, before it continues on its journey to the Benchmark workshops in Berkshire, where it is crafted in such a way as to show of the individuality of each tree. The finished product ends up at the Heal’s furniture store on Tottenham Court Road – a journey that covers a distance of just 180 miles, considerably less than the average piece of furniture.
Armoire from the Heal’s Cranborne collection
What’s more, many of those involved in the production of the range, which comprises a table, bench and armoire, are apprentices that are learning the furniture making trade and helping to keep these skills in the UK. Sean Sutcliffe, Co-founder of Benchmark Ltd, who made the furniture, says that “for me Grown in Britain means something about the people involved…so here we grow in Britain our apprentices and they’re involved in the Grown in Britain products we make”.
Heals have produced this great video showing the journey from tree to table – enjoy!
There is still time to catch some of the Grown in Britain events, which run until the end of the weekend, plus the video and furniture can be seen on display in the window of Heal’s on Tottenham Court Road.