Working for 20 years and now establishing regular events, TAWNY BARN is a new regular for Worker Bee Markets
What’s the story behind your name?
I have lived at Tawny Barn for over 20 years, it’s a very old cottage, dating back to the 18th century. Next door is “The Old Hall” I believe it’s the oldest building still standing in Glossopdale, Tawny barn was a part of the “Fold” behind the big house, where the workers / servants lived. I spent months trying to think of a clever name, one day it just hit me. Where would you expect to find an artisan woodcraft workshop? In an old barn! I’ve had the name in front of my eyes for 20 years, but couldn’t see it. It’s got to be – Tawny Barn – I could not possibly call the business anything else!
Who runs your business? Do you have time to do any other jobs or is this full time?
I’m a sole trader. I’m not sure if I’ve retired (from engineering), had a midlife crisis, or maybe re-invented myself. I’m working harder than ever, doesn’t feel like I’ve retired. In my heart I’m still an engineer, but my hobby has now taken over my life full time.
I cross the Penines at least three times a week, to visit Mum, in a care home. This means I only have 2 or 3 days a week to work full time. Mums are important, my ambitions to grow the business will have to wait, there will be time in the future.
What do you make?
I started out picture framing, I bought all the equipment from a retired picture framer, I have a collection of about 200 paintings, mostly by Paul Bisson and Duncan Bruce, I made the frames for them all. This evolved into unusual shaped frames, made from MDF. These are now just one of my product ranges, I’m starting to make “paint your own” MDF shapes, the first few shapes are now available and the range is growing quickly. My other product range is anything made from hardwood, where possible I buy wood from tree surgeons, so I save it from the firewood pile. After it’s dried for a year or two I make something from it. Almost every woodcraft-er makes “turned” bowls, I like to be different, so I make square and rectangular bowls. I mount clocks or thermometers into beautiful pieces of wood. I like to make small coffee tables, every one is unique, I let the piece of wood define the shape of the table. My cake stands are proving popular, the next product could be anything, it depends what I see when I pick up the next piece of wood.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I don’t know, I’ve got a list of products I would like to make, when I look at a piece of wood, I try to imagine it as one of those products.
I like to make 2 products from the same piece of wood, for example, I cut the centre out of a tree ring, the outer ring becomes a mirror or picture frame and I mount a clock into the centre piece. The products are closely related, customers like to buy the pair, often one to keep and one to give to a family member.
Where can people find you?
Visitors are welcome at Tawny Barn, in Hadfield (please make an appointment first).
website tawnybarn.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram
As well as Worker Bee Markets in Bramhall and Heald Green on the third Sunday of each month, on the first Saturday of the month I plan to establish a permanent stall at either Cheadle or Urmston market. on the second Saturday I stay close to home, Glossop Artisan Market. On the fourth Sunday I’ve started going to Chesterfield Artisan Market.
I go to a few one off / pop-up markets, but my main focus at the moment is to build a regular following at the markets above.
Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to start their own creative small business?
Don’t expect an income you can live on at the beginning, start selling part time / weekends, only give up the day job after you have built up a regular client base.
Don’t sell mirrors outdoor, they need cleaning after every gust of wind!
It’s hard work, but if you chose the right product, you will enjoy working hard.
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