The Marchmont Workshop is the last rush seat chair making operation in the UK, where rush seat chairs are made for a living by Richard Platt & Sam Cooper. Richard & Sam are the 6th and 7th generation chair makers in a remarkable tradition continuing the legacy of Lawrence Neal, who has made chairs for over 50 years, who learnt directly from his dad, Neville, who made chairs for over 60 years. The legacy was started by Ernest Gimson, who was inspired by getting to know William Morris and apprenticed himself to Philip Clisett. Edward Gardiner was the next in line, who passed on his skills to Neville Neal. A remarkable history. This is a new chapter in the story, as in April 2020, the workshop moves from Stockton, Warwickshire, where the Neal family have been based up to The Marchmont Workshop, in the old stables at Marchmont. Here Richard and Sam join a broader Marchmont family and project to make a home to Makers and Creators. The story has been captured in a film, The Chairmaker - Lawrence Neal: https://vimeo.com/283958058 There is also an addendum on the Bedales Chair, a model made at the workshop: https://vimeo.com/325854141 The Workshop is not open to visitors, but there will be open days published on the website, Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for the newsletter on the website soon.
