London’s only dedicated Windsor chair-making course runs over 12 weekly sessions; it’s a commitment, but at the end you’ll have made your own Windsor side chair and be well on the way to being a confirmed wood-nut. It's also probably the best fun you can have on a weekday evening anywhere in town.

In this class

You’ll learn how to fashion fresh timber, straight from the log, into the chair’s main components – the legs, stretchers and spindles – using an array of traditional hand tools and the magical foot-powered treadle lathe.

You…

Things to remember

Basic materials are covered, but there will be an additional charge for the seat material. This will be £30-50, depending on availability and prices at the time.

Wear clothing suitable for a workshop environment, ie that you don't mind getting a bit dusty. Some stout shoes would be…

Stephen - 11 May 2022

Ben’s Windsor chair course was a valuable learning experience in the art of greenwood joinery, the use of hand woodworking tools, and was also a lot of fun! Highly recommended.

Henrique - 31 January 2022

A very knowledgeable teacher in a relaxing and even therapeutical environment. Great experience and now got the bug... Starting some handmade bar stools with the techniques I learned

Chris - 31 January 2022

Ben's windsor chair course is a one of a kind for London. With his years of teaching experience and relaxed attitude I enjoyed every moment of building my very own windsor. Thanks Ben

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Obby Guarantee

We ensure quality. If your class doesn't reach your expectations, we'll give your money back.

Age Requirement

Flexible cancellation policy

Any class can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.

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Ben Willis Woodcraft

Ben Willis Woodcraft is an independent wood workshop based in Crystal Palace offering a chance to get back to nature by using green wood to make a bowl, stool or chair from scratch.

Ben makes bespoke furniture and it all starts this way - as a log, as far as is possible freshly cut from the woodland. Aside from the practical advantages of using material in this form, as previously described, an added benefit is that it sustains the ancient practice of coppicing, a sustainable method for managing woodlands in which trees are cut, allowed to regrow again for a period…

Studio

Crystal Palace

3 Stoney Lane

SE19 3BD

London