Here at Barnes we pride ourselves on running a workshop where production of kitchens and furniture is traditional and handmade by our skilled craftsmen some of whom have undertaken their apprenticeships with us and remained for many years. Started by furniture designer Patrick Gunning over 30 years ago, Barnes has retained its approach to creating fine joinery and cabinetry using traditional tools and methods.
What does handmade really mean ?
Anything handmade is created using only hand tools and small manually operated machinery operated by an individual or a small team within a workshop. As opposed to mass production methods that deploy machines to undertake the majority of tasks.
Why is handmade better ?
Economies of scale associated with factory made furniture have led to lower prices and wider affordability. However along with reduced prices comes reduced quality because this relies on cheaper materials and cheaper labour and ever larger production lines.
Machine-made is generally designed for mass manufacturing and shortcuts and compromises are often made in the design to make the manufacturing process as efficient as possible. These super-efficient processes are often reflected in reduced quality control procedures which in turn results in furniture that contains imperfections and flaws.
Keeping traditional joinery skills alive
For a start the materials used are typically of a far higher quality and the craftsmen involved have often honed their skills over many years. These skilled craftsmen are involved with the entire process from rough wood through to completed product. This allows them to overcome and imperfections during the process which results in a far higher quality finished product.
Why not take a look at more images of our Devon workshop and see our environmental policy here
Although more expensive, handmade furniture made from solid hardwoods and cabinetry can last a lifetime or longer and sometimes become heirloom pieces that are passed on to future generations. When handmade bespoke items get damaged they are easier to repair, whereas all too often machine made furniture and cabinets end up in land fill.
Handmade furniture and the environment
From sourcing of materials to production methods, handmade furniture is more often than not better for the environment than its mass-produced counterpart. Wood and other materials can be sourced from local sawmills and suppliers which helps to reduce the environmental impact by reducing carbon footprints. Mass production methods involve the use of more chemicals and energy than handmade methods.
Why choose a bespoke handmade kitchen ?
When choosing to go down the handmade route you will receive a genuine one of a kind bespoke item, whether it is a single furniture piece or an entire Barnes kitchen. Each piece is custom made by hand and often comes with some character, charm, and even history. When you purchase from a local company such as Barnes of Ashburton you also bring further benefits and supporting the local community and economy by keeping someone employed, keeping a trade alive and passing on skills to future craftsmen.
If you are looking for a piece of handmade furniture or are considering designing and installing a new bespoke kitchen then please get in touch so we can explore the possibilities.
