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Meet your Maker: Hannah

10 March 2023

Get to know more of our talented workshop team…

hannah furniture workshop supervisor

Introducing Hannah, our hardworking, Furniture Workshop Supervisor. Crafting our statement furniture and accessories, Hannah creates heirlooms that will proudly be part of homes for decades of happy memories. Let’s find out more about Hannah…

How long have you worked at Tom Raffield?

HC: “I started at Tom Raffield in October 2021 – just in time for the festive crafting! I started out as a Finishing Assistant, where I would varnish and seal designs ready to be packed. My role then evolved into crafting furniture, where I progressed onto my current role as Furniture Workshop Supervisor”.

tom raffield workshop
Creating a showstopper. Hannah ensures our striking Amble Hanging Seat is finished to perfection.

What is your average day at Tom Raffield?

HC: “With a cup of tea in hand, I sit down with my fellow workshop supervisors to create a plan for the day, to ensure a seamless crafting process. Once I have the designs that are needed that day, I will then create a rota for the furniture team to ensure everyone knows what we're planning, with a varied day of bending, sanding, and assembling.”


What is the best skill you have learnt from your time at Tom Raffield?

HC: “This is easy – steam bending! Before Tom Raffield, steam bending was unknown to me but now I am enamoured by it. The results are always breath taking, and I find the whole process so interesting.”

hannah furniture workshop supervisor
Prepping the sustainable sourced timber for its bend...
hannah furniture workshop supervisor
The Lundy Shelf's sculptural arms require patience and precision when steam bending. 

What is your favourite product or range?

HC: “The Tor Twist Shelf is hard to beat, in my opinion. I love how it showcases the bend and the diversity of tones found in the ash grain, all in one beautiful design. The brass accents are the perfect final flourish for the piece – everything in the Tor feels purposeful and beautiful.”

tor twist shelf
A firm favourite. The Tor Twist Shelf puts the beauty of sustainably sourced ash of full display.

Why is sustainability important to you?

HC: “As an avid gardener, I see the effects of global warming effecting my surroundings; making it increasingly difficult to get a healthy, reliable crop. As we continue to experience the hottest summers and coldest winters yet, my concern grows on how we are going to be able to grow food. This concern is what feeds my sustainability practices, engraining into me how important it is to be kind to the planet.”

Where is your favourite place in Cornwall?

HC: “Whilst I do enjoy the amazing beaches Cornwall has to offer, my favourite place has to be Tehidy Woods. Whether flourishing with lush greenery in the summer, or a display of moody, autumnal tones, Tehidy is always the perfect backdrop for my Cornish adventures”.

tom raffield furniture workshop supervisor hannah
Master of all trades, from steam bending to finishing, Hannah's days involve a range of skills and techniques.

What do you like to do after work?

HC: “On dryer evenings, I can be found working on my allotment, tending for my thriving garden or going for walks around Cornwall. Spending as much time within nature as I possibly can. On those rainier days, my partner and I have a growing collection of board games we love to play.”

What did you want to be when you were younger?

HC: “I never truly settled on one career goal. I always followed my passion at that time, which has lead me to some wonderful places – like Tom Raffield”.

Posted: 10.03.23
Updated: 10.03.23

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