Business Details
19 Years
experience
Expert Fine Furniture Design & Making Courses
Established in 2007, Williams & Cleal has consistently delivered high-quality education in fine woodworking, furniture design, and making. Our tutors bring decades of industry experience, combining commercial practice, intelligent design, and hands-on education. We pride ourselves on offering a unique learning environment where students work alongside award-winning practitioners in a professional workshop setting. Our curriculum, refined over years of teaching, caters to both beginners and experienced woodworkers, with a focus on developing technical precision and creative potential. Graduates of our courses have successfully launched their own businesses and gained recognition in the furniture-making industry.We maintain strong links with leading organisations in design and craft, ensuring our students receive relevant, industry-aligned training. Our Somerset location provides a tranquil yet accessible base for immersive learning, supported by a close-knit community of makers. With a commitment to excellence, we continue to evolve our teaching methods while preserving traditional craftsmanship. Our facilities include dedicated workshops, digital labs for modern fabrication techniques, and access to expert tutors with proven track records. We believe in nurturing individual creativity while equipping students with the practical skills needed to thrive in the competitive world of fine furniture making.
Services
One Year Course
Bespoke Courses
One Week Courses
Weekend & Day Courses
Woodwork Training
Danish Cord Weaving
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer courses developed by award-winning furniture makers with 30+ years' experience
- Our tutors combine traditional craftsmanship with modern digital fabrication techniques
- We provide access to industry-standard workshops and equipment
- Our graduates have successfully launched independent furniture businesses
- We maintain strong industry connections for career development opportunities
What people say
Award winning tutors
Supportive community
Exceptional standards
Lifelong skills
Excellent facilities
Services
One Year Course
Our flagship year-long program develops comprehensive furniture-making skills. Students master traditional hand techniques alongside modern digital fabrication methods. The course prepares graduates for professional practice through project-based learning and business development guidance. With daily access to expert tutors, students create high-quality pieces while building industry connections.
Bespoke Courses
Tailored programs designed for individual skill development needs. Available for both beginners and experienced makers seeking specific technique refinement. Includes one-to-one tuition and project-specific guidance. Duration and content adapted to each student's goals and experience level. Ideal for those pursuing personal creative projects or professional advancement.
One Week Courses
Seven-day immersive experiences introducing core woodworking fundamentals. Focus on practical skill development through structured projects. Suitable for complete beginners and those seeking to refresh existing abilities. Provides foundational knowledge applicable to personal projects or further study. Includes expert tuition and workshop access.
Weekend & Day Courses
Flexible skill-building opportunities covering specific techniques like Danish cord weaving. Designed for hobbyists and professionals seeking targeted training. Delivered through hands-on sessions with experienced tutors. Allows rapid skill acquisition in focused areas without long-term commitment. Ideal for creative exploration and technique refinement.
Woodwork Training
Comprehensive instruction in traditional and contemporary woodworking methods. Covers hand tool proficiency, machine operation, and design principles. Emphasises precision craftsmanship and material understanding. Includes both functional and artistic applications. Suitable for career development or personal enrichment in fine furniture making.
People
Jane Williams
Principal & Tutor
Award-winning furniture designer with 30+ years' experience. Combines teaching with running a successful bespoke business. Holds formal education qualifications and maintains strong industry connections. Specialises in bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
Justin Cleal
Workshop Tutor
Co-founder with extensive furniture-making expertise. Operates a successful business alongside teaching. Focuses on practical skills development and workshop techniques. Brings real-world commercial experience to student training. Specialises in bespoke furniture production.
Oli Burley
CAD Tutor
Graduate of our full-time program with advanced CAD skills. Teaches Rhino 3D software and assists in commissions work. Combines digital design with traditional making techniques. Provides technical support for student projects and digital fabrication.
Olly Hampton
Digital Lab Tutor
Specialises in digital fabrication technologies. Runs our laser cutting and CNC facilities. Integrates modern manufacturing methods with traditional woodworking. Helps students develop hybrid making approaches. Brings engineering expertise to creative applications.
Jan Hendrikx
Design Tutor
Successful furniture maker with design and CGI expertise. Teaches drawing and conceptual sketching techniques. Graduated from our full-time program with award-winning work. Maintains an active bespoke business while tutoring. Focuses on design communication and client collaboration.
Questions
What types of woodworking courses do you offer?
We provide one-year programs, bespoke courses, one-week workshops, and weekend/day sessions covering fine furniture making, Danish cord weaving, and woodcarving techniques.
Are courses suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, our courses cater to all skill levels from absolute beginners to experienced makers seeking advanced training in specific techniques or business development.
What facilities are available to students?
Students have access to professional workshops, digital fabrication labs with CNC and laser cutting equipment, and comprehensive tooling for both traditional and modern woodworking methods.
Do you help with accommodation arrangements?
We can connect students with local accommodation providers and assist with finding suitable housing options in the Taunton area and surrounding villages.
What career support do you provide?
Our courses include business development guidance and industry connections. Graduates receive ongoing support for establishing their own furniture-making businesses.
How can I visit the workshop?
You're welcome to visit our Somerset workshop by appointment. Contact us directly to arrange a convenient time to tour the facilities and meet the team.
