How to commission a piece of furniture:
We hope to make commissioning a piece of furniture from the Edward Barnsley Workshop
an enjoyable experience, so it helps if clients know what to expect when they embark
on the process.
Principles:
The commissioning of a piece of furniture is a collaboration between the
client and the Workshop. Clients are actively encouraged to take a role
at the design stage, discussing needs and ideas with the designer/maker,
choosing timber and following development through to completion.
Visiting the Workshop can be an excellent way of finding out more and discussing the options with both the Craftsmen and the design team. At
present Jon Barnsley (Edward's son) is supervising the design development for the pieces. The Workshop has many photographs, the archive and a showroom housing recent commissions and items for sale. The Workshop Manager,
Phillip Brown, Senior Mastercraftsman Mark Nicholas and Designer James
Ryan are always on hand to offer advice and discuss the design, timber and
production methods.
The commissioning process:
Although each piece will differ in complexity the process for commisioning
is very simple. Normally a statement of interest from a prospective client
is developed into a rough design. A fee will be charged for this design
work (included in the final price if the commission is agreed).
Once the general ideas are agreed then more formal plans are built up
and once these are agreed in writing with the client, the work will be scheduled
and a Craftsmean or Apprentice allocated the job.
Any amendments to the plans are once again agreed in writing between the client
and the Workshop and an additional price agreed.
Payment:
Generally payment is split, with a deposit (1/3) taken with the firm commitment to the
order and installments charged to keep pace with the costs of the work - 1/3 halfway
through production. A final charge (1/3) is made on satisfactory completion and installation.
The rewards:
A specially commisioned piece of furniture will be a combination of high standards of craftsmanship
and fitness for purpose. It is these qualifications that make Barnsley furniture worthy of close
inspection and mark it out from furniture bought from a shop. Certainly owning a piece of
Barnsley furniture will be a rewarding experience and a pleasure to the eye and touch
for future generations. An investment for the future!
If you are interested in commissioning a piece of furniture from our worldclass
workshop please contact us and we shall
assist in any way we can.
The photographs of
furniture that are on this Web Site
are available as postcards which can be sent on request for a small fee covering cost
of materials and postage.
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