This week’s blog post is a little different to our usual
fare. I had the great pleasure to meet up with Freddy Roman a woodworker whose
reputation as a skilled craftsman and communicator is attracting a lot of
attention on Instagram under the pseudonym of the Period Craftsman. I met Freddy in his shop, housed in a terrific
old timber built mill in Littleton just outside Boston. It was the day after a blizzard, a foot of
snow on the ground and six foot icicles hanging from the roof edge. New England in its finest winter clothes for
sure and a wind to cut you in half. But inside the shop it was warm and dry with
the smell of timber, tools, finishing oils and varnish.
In this illustrated audio interview I was particularly
interested to hear what attracts a young man to work with old furniture within
his restoration business, whilst still being attracted to modern design albeit
with his signature touches. I could summarize it by saying an appreciation for
quality and craftsmanship but you judge for yourself by listening to Freddy in
his own words.
Be sure to check out some of Freddy’s work at his websitewww.periodcraftsmen.com or follow him
on Instagram periodcraftsmen.
We have talked about the great work that the Mens Sheds
movement is making on the blog a couple of time previously, on occasion we get
to meet some of the shedders and see what they are working on . When we had an
invite from the LADS (Littlehampton and District Sheds) telling us about their
renovated premises in an old ship yard in Sussex England it sounded too good to
miss. So on a chilly January morning we met up with the shedders who told us
about the two sheds in their district and their project to renovate what had
become a fairly run down storehouse, into a place where they can meet and work
together on community projects. There is a real mix of skills here like most
sheds we visit, from people who have never picked up a tool to retired
craftspeople and tradesmen. If you want to learn new skills and get involved
you can, but if you want a place to meet up with new mates drink plenty of tea
and a chance to have a natter about things with a common interest this is a great
place to start.
This is the short film we made with the LADS many thanks to them for sharing their stories as well as a great cup of tea and bagels!
Triton is the official tool suppliers for the UKMSA. You can
find out a lot more about the UK Mens Sheds association and advice about
starting a shed in your area at their website.