After thirteen years working as the proprietor of a Picture Framing and Needlecrafts business, Peter Atkin retrained in the late 90s studying City & Guilds - Furniture Making, passing with Credit and Distinction. Following building his own home workshop, he made numerous pieces of furniture for family and friends.
Peter attended the 'Chairs 2004' Symposium at the beautiful Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire. An international event for invited specialist chair makers from across the world. He subsequently contacted one of the exhibitors, Hal Taylor of Virginia, USA. Hal is a very experienced hardwood Rocking Chair Maker and Teacher, having made more than 230 chairs and taught many students this specialist art.
Hal's chair design is sculptured, with all meeting parts transitioned by a flowing radius resulting in no sharp edges or joints. They are of the highest heirloom quality and no doubt antiques of the future. His chairs have found homes throughout the USA and Canada and also many other parts of the world, probably the most famous destination being 'Balmoral Castle' in Scotland, owned by The Prince of Wales.
Following a lengthy period of consultation, in 2006, Peter visited Hal and spent some time working with him, learning in great detail the specifics involved from the designer himself. Peter was Hal's first student from England.
He is very grateful for Hal's approval to be now specialising in making the same design of chair available here in the UK.