UK maker Harry Sanger on starting out as a professional
Maker of the Year, presented by Carbatec, is a competition for all makers, amateur, professional and student, and showcases the wonderful things they make from wood. In 2025 we present a series of interviews with some of our entrants.
UK maker Harry Sanger's entry piece is titled Vonnie (shown above) and, he writes, "is unapologetic in her stance and takes on a different character from every vantage point. Vonnie is a statement piece of useable furniture in every sense."
We asked Harry to tell us more about his background and approach to furniture making.
Q: Can you tell us about your training? Where did you learn your skills?
I completed the 12-month designer maker course at Rowden Atelier and it gave me a great start in learning the ropes of fine cabinetmaking. When I signed up, 12 months sounded like an awfully long time but as I progressed though the course I began to understand just how much knowledge a fully trained cabinetmaker possesses. While I was able to grasp a good amount of knowledge in most areas of fine woodworking, I quickly learnt that there is always more to learn.
Q: What’s your main aim starting up as an independent designer?
My main aim is to make furniture that people will pass down to future generations. I hope that my furniture outlasts me!
The Vonnie cabinet, vavona burr, maple crown and polished brass hardware
Q: What are your priorities in establishing your business?
I think the most important thing for any maker is to maintain extremely high standards across all your work. Whilst working commercially demands efficiency and good time management, I often have to remind myself that it’s my intention to make furniture to the highest possible level. So, if a piece needs another coat of oil, another round of sanding or a drawer needs adjusting then that’s exactly what I have to do to ensure that only the highest quality work leaves the workshop doors.
Q: What your main design influences?
I think the majority of my design influences exist outside of the world of furniture. My most recent piece was inspired by the City Hall building in London while a piece I’m currently working on is heavily influenced by the work of Piet Mondrian. That being said, I do love the work of John Makepeace and Joseph Walsh.
Detail of The Vonnie cabinet, vavona burr, maple crown, brass hardware
Q: What's your style as a maker...what do like and what do you aim for in your work?
I’d say my style changes with each piece I make, and as a relatively new maker I like to keep things fairly open on the design side of things. I’m conscious that my style will develop over my career and that for now I’d like to dip my toes into lots of different styles. But, fundamentally, my main priority is that my client loves their new piece of furniture!
Q: Who are your woodworking heroes/gods/gurus (and why)?
During my time at Rowden Atelier we had regular talks from established makers and designers from all over the UK. One of these talks was given by N.E.J Stevenson who was granted a Royal Warrant of Cabinet Maker to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and since, His Majesty King Charles III. The talk that N.E.J gave was inspiring, informative and engaging and I vividly remember feeling like I was pursuing the right career for me after meeting him. I really admire the work his company does: especially the work they did on the refurbishment of Windsor Castle.
Lucy's Box, birdseye maple, maple crown, steamed pear and polished brass hardware
Q: Your most often-made mistake?
This is a tricky one to answer because I believe that mistakes are par for the course in woodworking, so I generally just tend to get on and fix the problem at hand without dwelling on it too much. I’m pretty bad for underquoting if that counts!?
Q: Your biggest woodworking disaster!!?
Ah, my biggest mistake has got to be driving a screw straight through the top of a freshly polished table. Definitely something I wont be doing again in a hurry…
Iris Chair in English ash and linen cotton blend upholstery
Q: Your biggest woodworking achievement?
I am still immensely proud every time I make a piston fit drawer. The level of precision required keeps you on your A-game and the whoosh of escaping air as you press the drawer closed is just magic!
Q: The thing I would most like to change about my own woodworking is…
I’m going to cop out here, I’m afraid, and say that I wouldn’t change anything. I stand by everything I’ve made so far and genuinely believe that Makers are all the better for having made the mistakes that have brought them to where they are.
Sanger Design clock, walnut sunburst with Macassar ebony stringline
Q: What do you love most about woodworking?
I think the first shaving you take on a freshly sharpened plane blade has got to be one of the best parts of the job. Shame they don’t stay sharp for long…
Q: My best tip to other makers is…
I’m not sure I’m at a stage in my career to start throwing advice around but I guess I’d just say stick to delivering work that is made to the best of your ability and don’t be afraid to step back and admire your handiwork from time to time.
Maker of the Year, presented by Carbatec is open for entry to makers all over the world. In addition to awards totalling A$19,500 in value, The Jan Pennell Award (A$1,500) will be made to an entry that displays outstanding woodturning. This entry will be selected from the Top 100 shortlisted entries across all Maker of the Year categories including Furniture, Arts & Objects and Student. Local and international makers are eligible to win this award.
In addition, the A$1000 Recycled & Rescued Award will be made to an entry that displays outstanding use of recycled and reused materials. This entry will also be selected from the Top 100 shortlisted entries across all categories. Local and international makers are eligible to win this award.
Photos: Mark Williamson Photography
Learn more at www.sangerdesign.co.uk and @sangerdesign.co.uk
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