Winds of change have been blowing about Lloyd Brooke Furniture and our family. In the last three months we have moved both house and workshop in what has been a flurry of large scale changes for our little unit. Our last house was lovely, and we cherished that river, but it lacked the space we needed. The caravan was cute but I felt for our eldest, Lucas, who endured a fairly wet winter out in the garden.
Whether he derived inspiration from the vege patch is anyone’s guess…
New workshop!
The new workshop is still located in Kerikeri, just a few minutes drive from our old place, at 151 Stanners Road. I have moved from a (combined) 70m2 workshop to 186m2 chiller shed. The extra space a more comfortable workspace with fewer double moves. Originally used for storing fruit, the walls are a thick insulated material which is just perfect for building furniture in (by minimising humidity swings). It has required vision – the previous occupant stored old cars in it, the scars of vulgar conversation left remnants as swear words scrawled across the interior – there was a bit of work to do..
We had some incredibly generous help from friends and family getting the mammoth task complete. It’s in the big life moments that make you properly grateful, and then you wonder why you aren’t more grateful all the time. Life is remembering and then forgetting…
Chris came around with his ute for multiple timber trips. Turns out I am quite the hoarder..
The kids helped too, here is Quinn and Elodie at work.
After covering up the vulgar language on the walls with paint, an enormous timber rack, ducting for the machines, a photo wall and a cosy space for my hand tool work, the workshop is now ready for commissions.
I have a few places left before Christmas so if you have a piece on your mind, get in quick to secure your spot. If you’re not in a major hurry, get in touch regardless and we can start a conversation for next year. Get in touch.
New pieces:
Roessler drawers
This design was a world finalist in Wood Review’s Maker of the Year competition. I love it for it’s complexity and warmth and for the opportunity to get my craft into gear. It has been a pleasure to build it again, this time in new proportions, for a local client.
Raupo
The slatted doors remind me of reeds and I’ve chosen to name this piece after the NZ native “Bullrush” – Raupō
For a client in Canterbury. Built to house a pretty special vinyl collection. This one isn’t up on the website yet.
Grant from Creative New Zealand
I’m honored to be the recipient of a grant from Creative New Zealand to help establish a unique New Zealand artistic voice.
I’m interested in what New Zealand fine furniture looks like.
I’m exploring that question through new designs, drawing on our landscapes, locally grown timbers and my experience as a maker in Northland. The grant creates room for experimentation, giving me time to develop and test ideas that could shape the next chapter of my work. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to sharing the process as it unfolds..
What I’m listening to:
Kate Bush – The Kick Inside
What I’m reading:
Kurt Vonnegut – Breakfast of Champions
Major congratulations Lloyd, for achieving so much in such a short time. And also for the grant in recognition of your creative excellence. I look forward to seeing the results of your artistic inspiration!
Thank you Brian, your timber is adorning the racks.
Congratulations Lloyd, Wish you and Lloyd Brooke Furniture all the very best in your new workshop,
Keep up the great works you are doing.
Thanks Denzil!
Thrilled to read about these winds of change for you and your beautiful family. We still have our incredible genuine Lloyd Brooke dining table sitting as a centrepiece in our Melbourne home. Miss you all and look forward to the day we visit you and see your new workshop in person.
Great to hear from you Celia! I hope the Tankeys are continuing to thrive. Plan your trip to NZ and we will see you in the workshop and have you all over.