Cabinet making is a specialised craft that centres around the creation of handmade wooden furniture. It is one of the oldest professions in Britain, and many traditional methods that cabinet makers use today can be dated back centuries. It requires a high level of skill and training, with a focus on fine details and excellent quality.
Cabinet makers often work on unique bespoke pieces – free-standing or fitted – and are involved in almost every aspect from start to finish of making a piece of furniture.
Cabinet making has a fascinating history, telling the story of how humans first came to make furniture. We can see exactly how this has evolved through time, technology, and social movements, whilst also maintaining its roots in tradition and historical preservation.
Early Beginnings
As wood is a common and accessible resource worldwide, our prehistoric ancestors have been working with this material since almost the beginning of humanity. Some 1.6 million years ago, it is believed that the Homo Erectus would have used wood to make foraging tools and hunting weapons, setting the foundations for technological evolution and the advent of human civilization. Whilst certainly not furniture making, some of the archaeological evidence discovered around this time demonstrated impressive workmanship, despite being in the early stages of cognitive development.
Our first signs of furniture in Britain can be pointed to ‘Skara Brae’, a Neolithic site that holds one of the most well-preserved remains of an early settlement. Due to the lack of trees, wood was not a commonly used material on the island of Orkney. Instead, there is evidence of structures made from stone that mirror the form of furniture we know and use today. The stone beds and dressers within Skara Brae remain intact, allowing us to understand how our early ancestors would have lived within the home over 5,000 years ago.
Made solely for the purpose of storage and function, furniture of this time was neither ornamental nor aesthetic. However, the developing use of materials for furniture and decoration perhaps points towards a pivotal progression in human behaviour, suggesting a distinct separation between pure survival and the early stages of civilisation.
The Significance of Furniture in Ancient Egypt
Around 3150 BC Ancient Egypt was born, one of the oldest and most advanced civilisations on record. At this time, furniture was becoming an integral part of their culture. The view on what furniture represented had shifted, and had begun to indicate a person’s wealth or social status. By merging functionality with visual design, Egyptian craftsmen were able to construct high-quality furniture showcasing many intricate features with a distinct aesthetic.
Since wood was not common in Egypt, they imported most of their timbers – including ebony, acacia, and cedar. This further heightened the expense of handcrafted furniture. Those who could not afford these pieces would have simple stools and chests made from woven reeds. The separation between classes were distinctly recognised by these differences in furniture.
The Ancient Egyptians remain famous for their range of skilled crafts. They followed an intricate style, full of carved hieroglyphics, painted details, and animal skin seats. They also incorporated detailed wooden legs carved to look like those of animal feet – a unique feature that re-emerged during the Renaissance period thousands of years later.
The Tools and Methods of Ancient Egypt
Many pieces of furniture that we have discovered showcase both the extent of the Ancient Egyptians’ skill and also the exact methods and tools that they would have used – many of which are still used in the tradition of cabinet making today.
The dovetail joint is believed to have first originated in Ancient Egypt, with the earliest physical evidence shown in boxes and coffins from around 3000 BC. It is a famous and recognisable joint that is not only considered one of the strongest, but is also representative of high-end cabinet making and excellent quality. Growing more sophisticated with time, the dovetail joint allowed cabinet makers to create more elegant high-quality pieces of furniture. Hand tools such as chisels, pull saws, and bow saws can also all be attributed to the ancient Egyptian woodworkers.
Medieval Britain and the Era of Gothic Design
Whilst furniture continued to be largely available only to those who could afford it, during the medieval period we can begin to see furniture-making become slightly more widespread. With oak being an abundant native resource throughout Britain, it provided craftsmen with a strong material to create solid functional pieces of furniture without having to import timber at great cost.
During the medieval times, furniture was often sourced by a local craftsman who specialised in woodworking. As was the tradition at the time, the family trade was something that would be continuously passed down over generations. This remained especially true for furniture making, allowing the craft to develop over time, eventually progressing in to the advanced skill we recognise as cabinet making today.
Religion was a significant part of life in medieval Britain, and so much of the best furniture was made for the monasteries and churches. With design centering around solid wooden pews, lecterns, and desks, they were full of bold carvings and religious features resemblant of the gothic era.
For the home – chests, coffers, and trunks were a more sought-after piece of furniture. These symbolised a high status, as their purpose was to store a person’s valuables (jewellery, rich clothing, and gold). Most British households could not afford these expensive, carved pieces, and so most would own simply-made furniture lacking in detail.
Cabinet Making in the 16th and 17th Centuries
While the term ‘Cabinet Maker’ was not evidently used until the 1600s, those who specialised in this particular skill, working by the definition of a cabinet maker as we know it today, of course still existed.
The 16th & 17th centuries were key periods in which furniture became much more widespread and desired. Cabinet makers started to incorporate more intricate designs, full of detailed carvings, opulent fabrics, and classical motifs.
The 1500s saw a surge of furniture makers migrating to Britain for the extensive opportunities that were quickly arising in London. This helped to further the rapid growth of cabinet making that had begun throughout the country. It also meant the merging of new stylistic influences that were developing all through Europe.
The 1600s saw the emergence of the Welsh dresser, a classic piece of furniture that we all recognise today. With its distinct style, the Welsh dresser consists of doors and drawers below, with shelves and racks above.
It is believed that the Welsh dresser came about due to more people collecting pottery and needing a place to both store and display their items. The Welsh dresser would generally be located in the kitchen and used as a worktop for both preparing and cutting meat. Typically handmade in solid wood such as oak or pine, the design consisted of simple but decorative features that resembled the traditional farmhouse style. Today, they remain a distinct piece of furniture used as a basis for all kinds of styles and designs.
Thomas Chippendale and the Intricate Furniture of the 18th Century
During the 18th century cabinet makers began to employ a broader range of skills and technique. Intricate and ornate pieces were highly fashionable, and so marquetry, carving, and delicate woodworking were frequently being incorporated into the process. Furniture was now viewed as the focus of a room, and so high-quality furniture made by skilled cabinet makers was in demand.
This period saw the emergence of some famous cabinet makers that had a significant influence on the craft. Including Thomas Sheraton, George Hepplewhite, and Thomas Chippendale.
Thomas Chippendale is perhaps one of the best known names in the history of cabinet making and continues to inspire today. Coming from a family of woodworkers in Yorkshire, he set up a small workshop on St Martins Lane – the heart of London’s cabinet making district. His business offered bespoke handmade furniture, designed by Chippendale himself, and handmade with high quality methods and materials. He worked on a range of projects including small individual pieces as well as designing full room sets or interiors.
In 1754 he published a book consisting of a vast furniture design collection which became a huge international influence. His success gained him the opportunities to work in a collection of large country estates throughout Britain. Thomas Chippendales designs represented a fusion of English Rococo and Gothic blended with Chinese elements. Today, people use the term “Chippendale furniture” to refer to furniture in this distinct and signature style.
The Industrial Revolution – New Tools, Machinery, and the Arts & Crafts Movement
The industrial revolution ran from the late 1700s through to the 1800s, bringing in a rapid surge of technological development. This advancement led to a multitude of changes to the furniture making industry. With the invention of electricity, common cabinet making tools used today such as the circular saw and electric hand drills were being developed. However, perhaps the most significant change was the introduction of large factories designed for the mass-production of furniture.
While mass-production meant that more people had access to furniture (by making it cheaper), there was a severe lack of proper safety, often causing major incidents and health problems. Mass-production also meant a marked decline in quality. Factory-made furniture was no longer handcrafted with care and precision, but instead was being constructed using cheap materials and low-quality methods.
In response to this, the Arts & Crafts movement arose – led by figures such as William Morris. This social and design movement sought a return to handmade, high-quality furniture, supporting small workshops and cabinet makers in the process. They opposed mass-production as a whole, and advocated for the safety and rights of craftsmen and workers.
Preserving Traditional Cabinet Making Methods
Nature and authenticity were key to this era; furniture often resembled simple yet decorative motifs inspired by the British countryside.
During the Arts & Crafts movement, it was considered important to respect and honour the tradition of Cabinet Making by utilising the traditional methods passed down over generations, and doing things by hand. However, this did not mean that advances in technology were completely shunned. As long as technology was an aid, rather than a replacement to a craftsman, cabinet makers did embrace some of these new tools. Still making certain that the quality of their work did not decline as a result.
Similarly to the cabinet makers during this period, here at Salcey Cabinet Makers hand-making is at the soul of all our work. We use traditional methods that date back centuries and continue the art of hand-drawn designs. We prioritise high-quality and attention to detail throughout every aspect of the furniture making process.
The Impact of War on Furniture-Making
The 20th century brought with it an entirely new era of design that saw a variety of changes and developments. With rapid technological progression and the introduction of new materials, furniture design quickly evolved into what we now call Modernism.
When the First World War began, resources became limited and cabinet makers were needed elsewhere – many turning their efforts towards aircraft production in the RFC, and later the RAF. While this created a pause in the evolution of cabinet making, these furniture makers had been introduced into a whole new world of design and technology. At the end of the war, when people were attempting to resume their lives, they used this to positively inspire a new wave of methods and ideas within the craft of cabinet making and furniture aesthetic.
Cabinet Making Post-War
Post-WWI, Art Deco quickly became popular. Full of glamour, sleek finishes, geometric shapes, and luxurious materials, Art Deco reflected the hope for a better and happier future. These pieces of furniture often incorporated expensive timbers such as walnut and ebony, and would use both veneer and inlays to create symmetrical and sophisticated patterns into the design.
Unfortunately, the Second World War abruptly halted this surge of hope, and people were again forced back into the throes of the war effort. Regardless, people still needed furniture in their lives, and so the government introduced a new scheme as a way to ration materials and save furniture for those that most needed it. Priority went to people who had lost their homes in bombings, or newlyweds who had no furniture whatsoever. The collection consisted of around 30 simple designs called “utility furniture”.
Still, while these pieces were being manufactured as a necessity rather than aesthetic, it was important that they were made by skilled craftsmen and made efficient use of timber. Around 700 manufacturers and workshops across Britain were assigned to produce these designs for the scheme. The simplistic nature of the designs resembled a hint towards the up-and-coming modern era – particularly mid-century’s warm toned timbers and basic sleek shapes. The scheme continued for 7 years after the war.
The Second World War encouraged a surge of new people to pick up the craft. For women, the war finally provided them the opportunities to take on work in industries they were not allowed in before – including cabinet making and furniture design. Woodworking also became a popular hobby, often picked up by soldiers recovering post-war. This growth of the craft accelerated the emergence of new inspiration and fresh ideas.
The Progression of 20th Century Design
Mid-century modern, characterised by sleek simple shapes and timbers, such as teak and walnut, grew significantly in popularity throughout the 1960s. Inspiration was taken from Scandinavian influences, the innovation of the Bauhaus movement, and the elements and textures within the natural world.
Designers and cabinet makers aimed to create spaces that seamlessly blended interiors with the surrounding environment. These simple natural forms showcased the natural tone and grain of the timbers, providing warmth and textural detail.
As the 20th century progressed, distinct eras of design began to dissolve, blending in to one another. As is apparent in furniture of the post-modern era, rules and boundaries continued to be challenged. Materials such as metals and plastics were now being used more frequently, and design would often incorporated bold colours and unusual concepts, aiming to make a visual statement.
Around this time, personal tastes began to diverge from trends, and settled on more of an individual style. Bespoke furniture, made by skilled cabinet makers, became increasingly popular as a result – allowing people to express their personality through furniture, blending a range of styles and eras together.
Today
Today, the designation ‘cabinet maker’ can get blurred with other titles. Cabinet makers, as they have been known through history, focus specifically on the use of traditional methods. Often working on bespoke projects, a cabinet maker is typically involved in every step of the process, and construction is carried out by hand, involving a high level of skill and extensive training.
Cabinet makers will handcraft individual pieces such as wardrobes or tables, as well as kitchens, full fitted room sets, and even small intricate pieces. Excellent quality remains the core principal of cabinet making, from the the initial design to the materials used to the traditional crafting methods.
Salcey Cabinet Makers
Salcey Cabinet Makers are makers of beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. We propose a full bespoke service to any requirement, from hand drawn designs to final installation. No awkward spaces, uneven walls, low ceilings, or any feature is a problem for the expertise of our Cabinet Makers.
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