Monday 20 February 2017

Meet the Period Craftsman, Freddy Roman

 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. 

Friday 3 February 2017

All LADS together

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.