Meet the Maker: Brett Wright
At UK Hardwoods, we are always proud to collaborate with talented craftsmen who elevate the art of woodworking. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Brett Wright, a master carpenter whose work on historic projects speaks volumes of his skill and dedication. One of Brett’s most remarkable projects is the creation of a display table for the National Trust’s Tyntesfield House near Bristol— a Victorian Gothic Revival estate, that’s renowned for its rich history and attention to detail in every element of its preservation.
This piece was crafted with great care and attention to detail to display some of the Trust’s priceless book collection, so we wanted showcase the thoughtful creation process from conception to completion.
Brett Wright, partnered with Hugh Harrison Conservation to bring the design to life. Hugh Harrison Conservation, known for their expertise in historical conservation, designed the table with a deep respect for Tyntesfield’s heritage. It was Brett’s exceptional craftsmanship that turned the vision into reality, creating a piece that combined function and aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the house’s Victorian decor.
The table itself is in the Victorian Library at Tyntesfield, where some of the design details are taken from the bookcases in the room. Brett visited early on in the project design stage to template some of the original details to get the proportions right.
Naturally British Timber........
The oak used to create this display table was sourced from Pentillie Castle & Estate in Cornwall. The oak tree itself was one of Pentillie’s garden trees, a majestic feature of the estate that sadly blew over during a storm in 2013. When the tree fell, (number 5 in the image) it presented a rare opportunity to give new life to a piece of history through a contemporary project.
This particular oak, having grown in the stunning surroundings of Pentillie Castle, had developed a character and grain that perfectly suited such a historically significant project as Tyntesfield House. Using locally sourced British timber with a rich backstory was not only a practical choice but also a symbolic one, ensuring that the table connected past and present in a meaningful way.
Here is the timber arriving at our yard in Devon.
Crafting a Masterpiece ......
Once expertly sawn by Tom, each piece of oak was carefully selected by Brett for its grain, ensuring that the final table was not only structurally sound but visually stunning. Brett’s attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship ensured that this table would stand as a testament to British woodworking for years to come.
Brett Wright’s expert carpentry brought this unique oak to life. With a deep respect for traditional woodworking techniques, Brett hand-crafted the table with exceptional care, ensuring that every joint, curve, and finish was perfect. His experience working on heritage projects made him the ideal craftsman for this commission, allowing him to create a piece that felt both timeless and true to the period of Tyntesfield House.
A Celebration of British Craftsmanship......
We are incredibly proud to have supplied the oak for this extraordinary project. It exemplifies the ethos we strive for—working with skilled craftsmen like Brett Wright, using timber with deep provenance, and contributing to projects that celebrate both past and present.
Brett’s work on the Tyntesfield House display table showcases not only his remarkable skill but also the enduring beauty of British oak. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with artisans who share our passion for woodworking and heritage, breathing new life into the stories held within each piece of timber.
