Steve was recently approached by Gilbert White & The Oates Collection. The team at this charitable trust and accredited museum asked him to create furniture for their new tearoom. The new tearoom was being opened to celebrate the three hundredth anniversary of the birth of naturalist Gilbert White.

Gilbert White (18^th July 1720 – 26^th June 1793) was both a parson and a naturalist. Today he is regarded as ‘the father of ecology’. White’s careful recording of the natural history of Selborne in Hampshire was an inspiration to Charles Darwin and many others. White’s practices also directly influenced the growth and development of the natural sciences. Actor and conservationist Bill Oddie memorably described him as ‘the man who got us all birdwatching’.

Steve was delighted to craft a series of bespoke pieces for the tearoom. This included a special range of solid oak tables, side tables and counters. He designed the tables in different styles and sizes. While also selecting complimentary chairs and creating specially crafted benches.

Covid permitting, you can visit Gilbert White’s beautifully restored house and gardens in Selborne. There’s a museum where you can view the collections of naturalist and explorer Frank Oates and you can discover the moving story of his nephew Lawrence Oates. Lawrence Oates was part of the fateful Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole. Of course the tearoom is a wonderful place to stop for some refreshments and to enjoy the result of all Steve’s handiwork too!

If you would like a handmade table, handmade seating or handmade furniture created to your own specifications, please send an enquiry to info@handmade-oak-tables.com or call Steve directly on 07989 392421