Master joiner Tom has spent more than 20 years developing the precision, problem solving and traditional skills behind bespoke joinery.In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Tom Cottington about his journey from furniture restoration and demanding apprenticeships to complex architectural joinery at Johnson Bespoke. Tom shares lessons from restoring period furniture, learning traditional techniques and making costly mistakes that ultimately shaped his approach to craftsmanship.They explore the precision behind staircases, doors, windows and furniture, the difference between carpentry and joinery, and the growing competition from mass produced CNC products.It is a practical look at the skill, experience and resilience required to build bespoke work properly.Key Topics Covered✦ Tom Cottington’s journey into bespoke joinery✦ Traditional furniture making and antique restoration✦ What a demanding apprenticeship actually teaches✦ Why problem solving is central to joinery✦ The precision required to build staircases✦ The difference between joinery and carpentry✦ Traditional craftsmanship versus CNC production✦ Why handmade joinery costs more✦ Learning from mistakes and criticism✦ The satisfaction of making complex work from start to finishCheck out Johnson Bespoke:https://www.johnsonbespoke.co.uk/Enjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUgKey Moments:00:00 Tom’s early obsession with making things01:04 Furniture making, restoration and apprenticeships07:47 The mistake that ruined a set of window sashes12:14 Why joinery is 50 percent problem solving18:25 Spending months learning to sand properly19:41 Learning to build staircases22:34 Why joiners mark timber with a knife26:02 The three skills every complete joiner needs27:26 Joinery versus carpentry explained37:58 Competing with mass produced CNC joinery41:30 Why Tom enjoys difficult projects48:34 The appeal of complex bespoke work55:57 Tom’s advice after 20 years in joinery

After 24 years in fashion, Sophie changed direction and built Côte de Folk from scratch, eventually earning recognition from House and Garden.In this episode of Yours for the Making, Sophie Rowell joins Robin Johnson to discuss career reinvention, renovating period properties, working with architects and craftspeople, and designing homes around how people actually live. She also shares why renovation budgets need contingency, why she avoids photorealistic AI renders, and how trust creates space for original design.Sophie also reveals the thinking behind Le Dot fabric, her playful fabric collection bringing colour, curves and personality into interiors.Key Topics Covered✦ Sophie Rowell's career change from fashion to interior design✦ Building Côte de Folk from the first client to House and Garden recognition✦ The three year transformation of The Red House✦ Collaboration between designers, architects and craftspeople✦ Why every renovation budget needs contingency✦ Interior designers versus architects and where their roles differ✦ Making existing spaces work harder instead of simply making them bigger✦ Creating original interiors without copying Pinterest and magazines✦ Why Sophie avoids photorealistic AI renders✦ Building a small interior design studio around flexibility and collaboration✦ Creating Le Dot fabric collection and bringing playfulness into interiorsCheck out Sophie Rowell in Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cotedefolk/Check out Côte de Folk:https://www.cotedefolk.com/Enjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson, founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop, this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUgKey Moments:00:00 Sophie Rowell's 24 year career in fashion01:48 The life change that pushed Sophie towards interior design04:13 Landing her first client three weeks before her deadline05:45 The Red House project that transformed her career12:39 Why collaboration drives Côte de Folk's design process20:27 Why renovation projects need contingency30:10 Architects versus interior designers32:33 Why bigger homes do not always work better38:21 How Sophie develops an interior around the people living there40:58 Why trust creates better design43:45 Why Sophie refuses photorealistic AI renders55:09 Why Sophie abandoned her goal of building a larger team57:04 Creating Le Dot fabric collection1:00:42 Sophie's advice to her 18 year old self

What does it take to turn a tired country hotel into a destination people genuinely want to return to?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Chris King, founder of Crafted, to explore the transformation of PowderMills in Battle, East Sussex. Set around a seven acre lake on the site of a former gunpowder mill, Crafted brings together boutique hospitality, bold interior design, British craftsmanship, wellness, food and community.Chris shares the thinking behind the hotel’s transformation, from trusting bold design decisions and commissioning local craftspeople to creating a lakeside sauna, cold water swimming area, padel courts, pottery workshops and spaces designed for social connection.They discuss the realities of building a new hospitality brand from scratch, supporting British makers, sourcing food locally, creating memorable guest experiences and making major investment decisions when there is no guarantee they will work.Chris also explains why Crafted is being built as a social catalyst. With remote work and changing lifestyles leaving many people increasingly isolated, the aim is to create opportunities for guests and members to meet, try new things and build genuine connections.It is a conversation about hospitality, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and what happens when every detail of a physical space is considered through the eyes of the person who will actually use it.Key Topics Covered✦ Transforming PowderMills into Crafted✦ Building a distinctive boutique hotel brand✦ Bold interior design and taking creative risks✦ Working with British craftspeople and local makers✦ Reclaimed timber, handmade ceramics and bespoke furniture✦ Sauna, cold water swimming and padel✦ Designing hospitality around guest experience✦ Local food, organic growing and sustainability✦ Building community through shared experiences✦ Social connection and social health✦ Starting a hospitality brand from zero✦ Reversible and irreversible business decisionsCheck out Chris King in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckroaming/Check out Crafted at PowderMills: https://www.staycrafted.com/Enjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUgKey Moments:00:00 Introducing Chris King and Crafted07:00 Why PowderMills was the right location13:10 Bold interiors and trusting the designer16:53 Bringing local craftsmanship into the hotel20:00 Creating the lakeside sauna and swim experience26:30 Can this hospitality model make money?31:09 British craftsmanship competing on price38:30 Designing a frictionless guest journey43:34 Why Chris designs for himself46:30 Taking risks and testing new ideas50:37 Why padel is here to stay58:27 Creating a social catalyst outside London1:02:34 Why social health matters1:05:30 Chris King’s advice to his younger self

What separates true bespoke joinery from furniture that has simply been made to measure?In this solo Q&A episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers the questions he receives most often about bespoke joinery, cabinet making, luxury interiors and running a successful joinery business.Robin explains how every detail is considered in bespoke projects, why traditional craftsmanship still matters alongside CNC technology, how materials are selected for luxury homes and hospitality projects, and what clients should look for when choosing a bespoke furniture maker.He also shares how Johnson Bespoke has grown from two people to a team of twenty while protecting traditional woodworking skills through apprentice training and craftsmanship.Key Topics Covered✦ What bespoke joinery really means✦ Bespoke joinery compared with made to measure furniture✦ Traditional woodworking and CNC machining✦ Luxury cabinet making✦ Material selection for bespoke furniture✦ Solid timber, veneers and premium finishes✦ Luxury residential and hospitality interiors✦ How to choose materials that last✦ Pricing bespoke joinery honestly✦ Managing client expectations✦ Growing a joinery business✦ Training apprentices in traditional woodworkingEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 What makes joinery truly bespoke02:57 Traditional skills or modern machinery06:30 Choosing materials for luxury projects15:30 What luxury means in bespoke joinery21:19 Solving complex design challenges24:43 Honest pricing and client expectations28:10 Growing a joinery business without losing craftsmanship29:56 Training apprentices and protecting traditional skills

How does someone leave a career as a patent attorney to become a furniture maker?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with furniture designer and maker Theo Silkstone to explore his unconventional journey from studying Material Science at Oxford to building sculptural furniture inspired by nature.Theo shares how renovating a cottage during lockdown changed the direction of his life, why a fallen oak tree became the catalyst for a new career and how traditional cabinet making at Rycotewood shaped his approach to craftsmanship.They discuss furniture design, woodworking, cabinet making, sculptural furniture, creative careers, sustainable timber, material science, AI in furniture design, marketing for makers and the realities of running a creative business.Key Topics Covered✦ Theo's journey from Oxford to furniture making✦ Leaving a career in patent law✦ How a fallen oak tree changed everything✦ Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood✦ Designing sculptural furniture✦ Functional art and furniture design✦ Working with oak, ash, metal and Jesmonite✦ Building bespoke hi fi cabinets✦ Marketing for furniture makers✦ Using AI during the design process✦ Setting up a new workshop✦ Building a creative communityEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 From patent attorney to furniture maker04:27 Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood06:03 Designing sculptural furniture10:21 Why marketing matters for makers12:00 Working with oak, ash and Jesmonite15:06 Material science meets woodworking23:30 Why old furniture is a timber goldmine31:33 Learning from other crafts40:56 AI and the future of creative work54:48 Building a new workshop56:08 Advice to his younger self

Gareth Neal joins Robin Johnson to discuss his career as a furniture maker and designer, his approach to sculptural furniture and the realities of building a creative career around craft, art and design.Gareth shares how an influential teacher encouraged him to study furniture design and craftsmanship, how life in Hackney Wick shaped his work and how pieces including the Anne Table, George Chest of Drawers and Brodgar Chair helped establish his reputation internationally.The conversation explores art furniture, studio furniture, contemporary craft, traditional woodworking, furniture design, creative communities and the changing art market. Gareth explains why mistakes matter, how overlooked materials and processes can generate new ideas and why makers need opportunities, deadlines and pressure to push their work forward.He also reflects on exhibiting in Milan, selling work internationally, navigating gentrification, working with galleries and creating furniture that sits between practical design and collectible art. Gareth offers direct advice for young designers, craftspeople and artists on self belief, education, risk taking and saying yes when opportunity appears.Key Topics CoveredGareth Neal’s career in furniture design and craftsmanshipThe meaning of sculptural furniture and art furnitureThe relationship between art, craft and functional designStudying furniture design at High WycombeThe teacher who changed Gareth’s careerTraditional woodworking and contemporary furniture designThe influence of George Nakashima and Wendell CastleHow galleries shape the collectible design marketWorking with local materials and specialist craftspeopleHow mistakes generate new creative ideasWhy makers need deadlines and public opportunitiesCreative education and choosing the right courseSelf promotion for artists and craftspeopleWhy young creatives should take more risksThe BMW opportunity Gareth regrets turning downEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 Gareth Neal on rebuilding his home, workshop and creative career06:33 What sculptural furniture means and where craft meets art20:04 The teacher who pushed Gareth towards furniture design28:30 The Milan exhibition that changed his career30:47 Life inside Hackney Wick’s creative scene38:29 The Brodgar Chair and its place in the V and A51:25 Gareth’s people, process and place approach54:57 Why deadlines force creative work to happen56:24 How mistakes create better ideas01:03:14 Advice for young makers and designers01:05:00 The BMW opportunity Gareth regrets turning down

What does it take to build one of Britain's most exciting independent restaurants from scratch?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jack Lury, chef and owner of Lury Restaurant in Hastings, to explore the reality behind modern fine dining, Michelin ambitions, restaurant ownership and creative cooking.Jack shares his unconventional journey from studying history and sociology to working in Michelin starred kitchens, private chefing, Sotheby's and eventually opening his own intimate tasting menu restaurant with his wife Izzy. He explains why he rejected toxic kitchen culture, how Sri Lankan heritage influences his food, why simplicity creates better dishes and how running a ten seat restaurant allows complete creative freedom.They discuss restaurant design, seasonal cooking, zero waste kitchens, menu development, private dining, hospitality, craftsmanship, leadership, perfectionism and the constant pursuit of improvement. Jack also reveals why Lury Restaurant was never intended to last forever and why every creative project deserves a defined lifespan.Key Topics CoveredBecoming a chef without attending culinary schoolLearning in Michelin starred kitchensEscaping toxic hospitality cultureWorking as a private chef in LondonCooking at Sotheby's with unlimited ingredient budgetsBuilding Lury Restaurant from scratchRunning a ten seat tasting menu restaurantSri Lankan influences in modern British cookingSeasonal menus and ingredient driven cookingFine dining without unnecessary formalityCreativity, simplicity and refining dishesZero waste restaurant operationsMichelin Guide ambitionsRestaurant design and creating an immersive dining experienceLeading young hospitality teams with respectWhy creative projects should have a lifespanEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 From history student to professional chef and the obsession that changed Jack's career forever01:38 Starting at the bottom in a kitchen and why every chef must master the basics before earning responsibility06:26 Writing to thirty Michelin starred restaurants with almost no experience and landing his first opportunity08:38 Inside Michelin kitchens, toxic workplace culture and why Jack walked away from the career he thought he wanted14:28 Private chef work, Sotheby's and cooking with extraordinary ingredients for some of London's wealthiest clients18:09 Building relationships that create opportunities and why networking matters more than talent alone20:22 The hidden reality of private chefing, expensive ingredients, demanding clients and creative limitations22:47 Fine dining burnout, sixteen hour shifts and why so many chefs leave the industry33:30 Moving to Hastings, taking a huge financial risk and opening Lury Restaurant with almost no money39:12 Renovating an entire restaurant on a shoestring budget with family help, determination and countless late nights44:03 Why independent restaurants have more soul than expensive luxury venues50:39 Inside Lury Restaurant and how a tasting menu creates a completely different dining experience55:07 Dietary requirements, zero waste cooking and why every booking has to be carefully planned57:00 Creating relaxed fine dining without unnecessary formality or traditional restaurant rules01:02:51 Building dishes around the seasons and changing the menu almost every week01:04:34 The Sri Lankan bread course that became the restaurant's signature dish01:06:00 Finding a unique creative voice and why the best dishes often contain fewer elements01:08:42 Weekly self critique, constant refinement and chasing small improvements every service01:10:28 Why Lury Restaurant was designed as a project with a defined lifespan01:11:45 Chasing a Michelin star and what that recognition would truly mean01:15:07 Every detail matters from handmade crockery to locally commissioned artwork and bespoke aprons01:20:09 The advice Jack would give his younger self about confidence, self respect and leaving unhealthy workplaces01:23:25 Where to find Lury Restaurant, book a table and join the newsletter for exclusive events

What does it take to restore priceless antiques without erasing their history?Robin Johnson sits down with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio, one of Britain's leading restoration and decorative arts workshops. Rodrigo shares the story of a family business that has preserved historic furniture, architectural features and museum quality antiques for more than sixty years. From Buckingham Palace and the Albert Memorial to rare seventeenth century cabinets worth millions, this conversation explores antique furniture restoration, traditional craftsmanship, mirror eglomisé, gilding, bespoke furniture making and the patience required to conserve irreplaceable pieces. Rodrigo also explains why the best restoration is often invisible, how modern technology fits into a traditional workshop and why passing skills to the next generation matters more than ever.Key Topics CoveredAntique furniture restoration and conservationMirror eglomisé and traditional gildingDecorative arts and bespoke furniture makingRestoring historic pieces for Buckingham PalacePreserving authenticity through careful restorationTraditional craftsmanship in a modern worldWorking with interior designers and private collectorsFamily business across three generationsBalancing heritage with modern technologyAdvice for young craftspeople entering the restoration tradeEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 — Rodrigo Tizzano shares how Titian Studio began in 1963 and how three generations have built one of Britain's leading restoration workshops.02:30 — Growing up surrounded by antiques, restoration and decorative arts before learning traditional techniques from master craftsmen.05:20 — Why great restoration is almost invisible and why doing less often produces the best result.09:00 — The challenge of pricing restoration work where every project reveals hidden problems and every antique demands a different approach.10:30 — Expanding beyond restoration into bespoke furniture, mirror eglomisé and decorative finishes for luxury interiors.12:00 — Collaborating with leading interior designers and creating one off furniture for prestigious projects including WOW!house.15:00 — Traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve through experimentation, adapting historic techniques and lifelong learning.17:30 — Passing a family business to the next generation while introducing digital systems, social media and modern ways of working.24:30 — Why children should discover their own path before choosing to join a family business.30:20 — Restoring one of the world's rarest seventeenth century cabinets and the responsibility of working on museum quality antiques.35:00 — The ethical line between restoration, conservation and creating convincing reproductions.38:00 — Robin shares a remarkable television restoration where only four original panels survived and the entire cabinet had to be rebuilt.43:00 — Estimating restoration work, managing client expectations and building a sustainable specialist workshop.45:00 — Why variety keeps creativity alive through restoration, bespoke furniture, decorative finishes and conservation projects.48:00 — Rodrigo reveals how close he came to competing on Gladiators before an Achilles injury ended the opportunity.52:20 — Advice for young makers about patience, persistence, choosing the right partner and building a lasting career in craftsmanship.

What makes a titanium bicycle so special, and why are so few still built in Britain?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jim Walker, founder of Enigma Bicycle Works, to explore the craft, engineering and business of building world class titanium bicycle frames. Jim shares the story behind Enigma's mission to preserve British bicycle manufacturing, the challenges of welding titanium, and why custom bike fitting remains at the heart of their process.The conversation covers the evolution of the cycling industry, the rise of Far Eastern manufacturing, the growing complexity of modern bike technology, and the realities of running a premium British made brand. Jim explains how Enigma creates bespoke titanium road bikes, gravel bikes and custom bicycle frames tailored to each rider, while maintaining the quality, craftsmanship and customer service that have earned them a loyal following around the world.For cyclists, frame builders, makers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in British manufacturing, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of the UK's most respected bicycle brands.Key Topics CoveredBuilding titanium bicycle frames in BritainThe challenges of welding titaniumCustom bike fitting and bespoke frame designBritish bicycle manufacturing past and presentThe decline of UK bike productionWhy titanium offers a unique ride qualityGravel bikes, road bikes and all road bikesThe rise of electronic shifting and integrated cockpitsCycling industry trends and built in obsolescenceSurviving the post Covid cycling marketPremium products versus price driven competitionRepairing titanium bike framesThe future of British made bicyclesEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 — Why titanium remains one of the most challenging materials in bicycle manufacturing00:53 — The science behind titanium welding and creating flawless frame joints02:48 — What makes a titanium bike feel different on the road05:29 — Built in obsolescence and the growing complexity of modern bicycles11:28 — Integrated cockpits, hidden cables and the maintenance debate14:40 — The collapse of British bicycle manufacturing and why Enigma was founded16:13 — From millions of UK made bikes to just twenty thousand per year18:34 — The explosion of titanium bike brands and the challenge of standing out22:44 — How Enigma designs bespoke bicycles around each rider23:47 — Why titanium became Enigma's defining material26:14 — Building world class frames in Sussex with a small specialist team28:13 — Tailoring ride quality through tube selection and frame geometry29:16 — Electric bikes, the Scarpa system and the future of assisted cycling34:59 — Covid, the cycling boom and surviving the industry's toughest years43:50 — Why Enigma focuses on premium quality rather than competing on price46:43 — The value of British craftsmanship in a global manufacturing market50:35 — Frame repairs, after sales service and long term customer relationships52:12 — The challenge of marketing British manufacturing in a crowded market55:30 — Jim's dream titanium bike build and the perfect all road setup59:03 — Advice for young people considering a career in the cycling industry

How does a sculptor build a successful career in luxury interiors, collectible design and contemporary craft? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with sculptor Tom Palmer to explore his journey from a childhood spent making things on a Sussex farm to creating acclaimed alabaster sculptures and bespoke pieces for interior designers, galleries and private clients around the world.Tom shares the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crash, his transition from bespoke chandeliers to sculpture, and why material experimentation remains central to his creative process. The conversation explores collectible design, luxury interiors, craftsmanship, storytelling, gallery representation, creative careers and the importance of relationships in the design world. Tom also reflects on social media, comparison culture, and why the creative industry offers more opportunities than many people realise.Key Topics CoveredTom Palmer's journey into sculpture and designGrowing up making things on a Sussex estateLearning through experimentation and materialsThe rise and fall of the bespoke chandelier businessSurviving the 2008 financial crashRestoring antiques and developing specialist skillsWhy alabaster became his signature materialCollectible design and the luxury interiors marketWorking with galleries and interior designersThe role of storytelling in creative businessesDesign trends, craftsmanship and originalitySocial media and comparison in creative careersAdvice for emerging artists, designers and makersEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 What a sculptor actually does in luxury interiors and collectible design05:18 Growing up making things on a Sussex farm and learning through experimentation10:58 Why Tom rejected traditional art school and chose his own creative path12:30 Building bespoke chandeliers and landing major hotel and commercial projects15:00 How the 2008 financial crash wiped out an entire business overnight16:27 The shared artist studio that became Tom's real education in design and business20:13 Restoring antiques, reverse engineering craftsmanship and learning forgotten techniques24:03 Leaving client work behind and creating original designs under his own name25:17 Selling work internationally and reaching luxury interior designers through FirstDibs28:02 Collectible design explained and why the industry is changing rapidly34:16 Why storytelling, relationships and reputation matter more than technical skill36:26 The hidden barriers to entering the design and interiors industry38:32 Working with interior designers and building long term creative partnerships41:15 Creating luxury pieces for private clients that can never be shown publicly43:51 The projects Tom is most proud of and the challenge of staying creatively fulfilled45:07 Why alabaster became his signature material and the appeal of carving stone46:50 Training in Italy, learning marble carving and finding his own artistic voice48:17 Finding inspiration in Gothic architecture, medieval design and historic craftsmanship50:53 Escaping trends, avoiding the algorithm and developing original creative ideas52:02 Design trends, minimalism, ornament and whether craftsmanship will make a comeback55:22 Why the best makers push beyond trends instead of copying what already works58:11 Bronze furniture, luxury design trends and what wealthy clients actually buy01:00:00 Why galleries, storytelling and personal reputation drive success in creative industries01:01:21 Advice for young artists, designers and makers navigating social media and comparison01:03:04 The opportunity hidden inside the creative industries and finding your own path forward