Peter Lanyon

Peter Lanyon Furniture is a small team of highly skilled and experienced green wood furniture makers. From their south Devon base, they hand-craft stunning lamps, tables, chairs and desks using a ‘slow’ and sustainable methodology that relies on low energy and simple technology – a refreshing change to otherwise fast-paced, mass-produced furniture.

Peter is available for commissions, and runs popular woodworking courses at his workshop – just a short stroll from the stunning south Devon coastline.

Each of his iconic pieces begin the same way. Hand-select coppiced wood from well-managed local woodlands is worked using ancient methods. After being split and shaved, the wood is worked with traditional tools such as side axe and draw knife, before being left to season for several months.

Peter’s philosophy and approach to woodworking is simple: wood should look and feel like wood. Every curve and kink, every knot and undulation is a celebration of life. So, when the wood is ready, Peter sets to work on the piece, allowing it to tell its own story and composing it into its finished form. There are rarely flat sides, straight edges or wood sanded against the grain. Instead, the tool marks add to the raw, tactile finish, bringing out the beauty of the grain and creating a playful contrast of light and shadow.

Every piece of furniture is part of a bigger story, a talking point and a gentle reminder of the need to preserve the beauty of the natural world.