Peter Lanyon Furniture reviews

Luke reviewed: Tool sharpening and maintenance

"Really great overview of sharpening techniques with lots of tips and techniques covered."

Will reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I am ridiculously pleased with the side table that I made on this course under the guidance of Peter. Peter is very talented at his work, and at teaching the necessary techniques to others. Highly recommended."

John Lewis reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I attended this course in January. Peter ran the course very well, demonstrating good skills and adapting his pace to suit everybody. The workshop was well equipped so we had access to the right equipment at the right time so we were always active and busy. The atmosphere was also really good and friendly. I was pleased with the stool I made (and impressed with the range of different designs made by others). Peter also offers support post course with after-care of product and tools we might need."

Roger Lear reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"I came to the course with some basic woodworking skills, but during the week these improved significantly. Peter’s calm patience meant that everyone could use the basic introduction to the tools to develop their own designs. Make no mistake, it is a full on course, so be prepared to work hard. However I found the week to be mentally relaxing and fun. I can thoroughly recommend the course in a delightful part of the Devon countryside. I can assure anyone thinking about it - just do it. You will come away refreshed with a chair you will de delighted and proud to have made."

Fiona reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"Just LOVED these two days. Peter is a very good teacher and I came away with a beautiful ash bench as well as a whole new set of skills. Things for me that made the course particularly special were: having really good quality well-sharpened tools, and plenty of them, having a good choice of material to work with, and the way Peter managed our timing, so everyone completed a project."

Paul Burry reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"Thank you Peter for a wonderful, if strenuous, 6 day Green Wood chair making course. I had previously attended Peter's introductory course and wanted to try something more ambitious. There were 6 of us on the course of differing experience and ability and Peter ensured that we all went home with a completed chair, additionally I decided to make a child's chair with the attendant recalculations of sizes etc. but with the necessary guidance managed to complete the task. It is hard work but very rewarding working in such a wonderful medium."

Mary Widger reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"Fantastic. Six wonderful days. Having never worked with wood before I was introduced to some of the tools and skills needed to work with green ash, with infinite patience, care and attention. The process was fascinating. Although still very much a beginner I am delighted with my truelly comfortable chair. Added bonus is that I have returned home very much more relaxed. Thank you so so much."

Digger Harris reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"I have just attended Peter's spectacular course on chair building. Along with my five fellow participants we have returned home with a much greater understanding of working in green ash and each of us has a beautiful chair which we know intimately as we personally transformed the green ash logs into objects of craft and beauty. Peter was our guide through the process, he explained the plan and the way we could succeed, the priorities and the pace we needed, he helped us understand and avoid pitfalls, make the right decisions and understand why they were right. He encouraged us to make creative decisions to include in the design. I was very impressed that he was able to naturally give the appropriate level of support to each member of the group so we all arrived at the end with a tremendous personal success."

Victoria Walker reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"My boyfriend and I both did the course and thoroughly enjoyed it! We were really lucky with the weather and working on the split logs outside in the sunshine was a lovely experience. Peter is a very skilled craftsman and a friendly, approachable teacher (he also makes great flapjack which was a fab unexpected treat!) The area in general is very beautiful so you can really make a long weekend of it and enjoy a creative break in the countryside. Thanks for having us Peter! :)"

Lucy and Pete McCormick reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"We both loved this course. It was delivered in stunning surroundings and with great knowledge and a really friendly atmosphere. It is done in easy steps with demonstrations and help all the way so that you really get to understand the tasks and learn how to use the tools correctly. Do it, you won't regret it!!"

Luke Tasker reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"My Dad and I went on the course after a search of the craft courses website. We had a brilliant weekend working at Peter's workshop. Peter gave excellent instruction and advice to guide us through making our first green wood furniture. I would definitely recommend a course with Peter!"

steven beck reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I was brought this as a gift which I thought was a joke as my past woodwork experience has left me with nothing more than a big pile of shavings . However, The whole experience was excellent and I really enjoyed myself. I surprised myself and my family when I returned home with a piece of furniture ( a table) which my wife wants to keep in the house :) . On the course we went from tree stumps to some amazing furniture within just two days and the techniques we learnt will allow everyone of us to do this in my leisure time at home . The whole group produced some fantastic work and the relaxed atmosphere meant everyone got on and pulled together . Overall it was a great experience and Peter and Joe looked after us all brilliantly . So no matter what your skill level I recommend this as a course for you and/or your loved ones ."

Tim Wilson reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I had a simply wonderful 2 days learning new skills, I will cherish this experience for a long time and have a stool to remind me."

John Forster reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"When I had a visit to England approaching I decided to look for a green wood furniture making course. I looked online and found Peter's course of two days as an introduction. I was not disappointed. The course structure was great for me as I had little experience in this craft. Peter was a wonderful tutor and was always on hand for advice. There was never an issue with the tools and I was introduced to new tools and their use. With fine weather on the first day we were able to work outside in a lovely Devon environment in the country. The second day was mostly indoors in a large well equiped workshop. How nice it was to be able to complete the project and have something to take home with me at the end of the course."

Mike Day reviewed: Green wood chair making in Portugal

"I thought that the opportunity to follow Peter's Creative Chair Making course during spring time in a remote and beautiful part of Portugal was one not to be missed and I not disappointed. Previous reviewers comments are correct; Peter is a fine teacher and craftsman. In these 6 days under Peter's guidance we went from tree to chair and I learnt many new skills using tools I had never seen before, finally walking away with a beautiful piece of furniture. The small group was able to work outside taking in the views whenever we took a break. We also stayed on location in the craft village, self-catering in our own delightful traditional schist cottage. This was an experience that delivered on very level and will stay sharp in my memory for many years to come and has indeed inspired me to do more wood work."

Martin Johnson reviewed: Green wood creative seating course (6 Days)

"What a fantastic course in a beautiful location! We all had different ideas and the interaction that Peter got between us I think helped everyone improve their designs. Mine was certainly challenging but with the expert guidance provided is now a lovely piece of furniture that many people comment on. It is even more comfortable to sit on than expected (although I definately went more for appearance!). I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn more complicated techniques and produce a quality piece of furniture at the same time."

Mark Jones reviewed: Green wood creative seating course (6 Days)

"A great learning experience! 6 people from very different backgrounds, with little in common. Some of us new nothing , some of us new something. Some had detailed ideas on paper, some had a vague idea or no idea at all. The things we all have in common now are beautiful, unique pieces of furniture thanks to Peters great knowledge, expertise and patience. Peters workshop is a well equipped and inspiring space with a good amount of room both inside and out. Highly recommended!"

Nick reviewed: Green wood creative seating course (6 Days)

"Great opportunity to learn from Peter's deep knowledge of all things wood. Would definitely recommend the course. Peter worked so well with us all to apply his knowledge and enthusiasm and help us realise our varied designs. Gave timely and wise advice and the right balance between showing us how to do things and allowing us to learn whilst doing things ourselves. Great location, lovely atmosphere and so much accomplished in 6 days. Definitely recommend this course."

Gary Spruce reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"The "Introduction to Green Woodworking" course did not disappoint. Peter's blend of hands on teaching with quiet encouragement made the weekend both rewarding and relaxing at the same time. What I liked particularly was the freedom to follow one's own ideas (within the time constraints) and the ability to choose the materials to suit. I made a coffee table out of a beautiful piece of elm with ash legs. I have years of experience working with wood at home and as a recently retired DT teacher, but I was still able to learn a lot from the course. Peter's obvious love for the materials and processes used shines through. The processes are a joy - as someone said on the course, "the travishing is ravishing". I was truly sad to end the weekend in the beautiful setting of the Devon Green Woodworking centre. It was well worth the trip from Cheshire and I'm sorely tempted to return for another longer course. Thankyou Peter"

Irvin Allen reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I can’t imagine Peter ever getting less than 5 stars - both he and the course are an absolute treasure!! His direct and gracious teaching style are inspirational and confidence-building and even total novices were soon sharing opinions and ideas. I came away mesmerised with his real understanding of the properties of natural material and how well designed tools can treat it so sympathetically. And, of course, what a great way to meet other people!! The humour, support and cooperation within the group was lovely although there was so much going on you could just keep your head down and get on with it if you wanted. I’m gonna do more!!"

Simon Aston reviewed: Green wood creative seating course (6 Days)

"This was the second course I have booked with Peter and once again thoroughly enjoyed it. The tuition from Peter is excellent and the location simply stunning. Everybody came with different design ideas and Peter encouraged every one of them. I came away with a garden bench that I'm really proud of. There really is something quite special in making something from scratch with your own hands !"

Jean Harris reviewed: Green wood creative seating course (6 Days)

"A great course. I arrived with an idea of the sort of bench I wanted to make and ended up with something far nicer and far beyond what I thought I would be capable of. The workshop is very well equipped and Peter guides one through patiently and expertly. A wonderful way to spend a week and build up green woodworking skills."

James reviewed: Green wood creative seating course (6 Days)

"I absolutely loved this course. You come with an idea of what you would like to create and Peter expertly guides you through the whole process of how to get there. The location is beautiful and the workshop well equipped. Not only did I come away with I bench I'm really proud of thanks to Peter, but this was also the most chilled out week I've had in ages. I can't reccomend Peter and this course highly enough."

Peter Lanyon Furniture responded:

"Thanks James, I hope your bench has been admired by all at home. Great to meet you! Cheers, Peter"

christina young reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"This is much more than a 'learn how to make a chair course'. You do, of-course, make a beautiful chair, but in addition Peter has created a workshop which seems rather other worldly. You can park the day to day niggles of life at the gate and spend a fabulous week being gently guided through the various steps needed to transform a log into a beautiful piece of furniture. Along the way there is opportunity to chat, to learn about greenwood work generally and to improve and learn skills. The whole experience is therapeutic and great fun. Do it!"

Vanessa Bashford reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"What a week. It has been a privilege to have spent time being so expertly taught by Peter, and in the company of a lovely group of people. The Workshop is a world away from the more usual stresses of life, it is a great working space and has everything you need (…somewhere). I went along to make a chair. I came home full of smiles about the laughter and stories that were told as we worked away, an amazing sense of achievement, and a fantastic chair. Thank you, Peter, and thanks to everyone for all the encouragement and camaraderie."