Our CRAFT
Furniture used to be made better. There is a reason that traditional techniques have been passed down through generations of craftspeople: they result in pieces that last. These days we have a choice: better techniques, higher prices and longevity or mass manufacturing, lower cost and, in the end, receiving something that is less likely to last.
At Sparver, we make products that we are proud to put our name to and happy to explain in detail.
DESIGN
Our designs are a combination of an aesthetic vision and the manufacturing expertise of the craftspeople that make them. The design moves backwards and forwards between designer and maker, being refined as it goes. Prototyping moves the design on further. It takes several iterations to get to the model you see.
FRAMEMAKING
Our frames are a reflection of the experience our craftspeople have at mastering the beautiful but sometimes unpredictable character of timber.
Hand tools such as chisels and hand planes still make up part of our craftspeoples’ daily life, prized for the subtle undulations they give in the finish. Machinery such as saws and drills are used, but never at the expense of the end result.
Our bed frames are made from solid timber only, with the species selected for their traditional use in specific parts of the frame.
Our workshops pick timber at their local timber yard, making judgements for grain, faults, beauty and so on. These days FSC certification is an expectation. We also ask them to consider where the tree has been grown – with domestically grown as a preference – but we trust our workshops to make the best pick for your furniture. We have asked, in order to save emissions, that nothing comes from outside Europe.
TRADITIONAL UPHOLSTERY
Traditional upholstery is created using many layers of natural materials used for their comfort, resilience and ability to be shaped. It takes the time and skill of our master upholsterers to create the subtle curves we design. While this form of upholstery seems laborious compared to the modern alternatives, its track record is proven and its health credentials are not in question.
At the base is jute webbing (sometimes mixed with cotton), tightly stretched into place to provide structural support. Layers of hessian and hand stitched horsehair follow, meticulously shaped to provide the beautiful lines you see from the outside. For thin flat stuffings we use loose hair needled into hessian because of its uniform surface.
For softness and fire resilience, cotton felt or wool may be added. Feather and down may additionally be used for cushioning. Finally, this is all enclosed beneath a calico lining before the final fabric is applied. The result is upholstery that breathes, adds comfort and holds its form.
Our Prices
At Sparver, we sell honest products made in the UK at a fair cost. If someone is making a similar piece but at a cheaper price we encourage you to research their practices. We do not inflate our prices to discount so we do not do sales.
DESIGN
Our designs are a combination of an aesthetic vision and the manufacturing expertise of the craftspeople that make them. The design moves backwards and forwards between designer and maker, being refined as it goes. Prototyping moves the design on further. It takes several iterations to get to the model you see.
FRAMEMAKING
Our frames are a reflection of the experience our craftspeople have at mastering the beautiful but sometimes unpredictable character of timber.
Hand tools such as chisels and hand planes still make up part of our craftspeoples’ daily life, prized for the subtle undulations they give in the finish. Machinery such as saws and drills are used, but never at the expense of the end result.
Our bed frames are made from solid timber only, with the species selected for their traditional use in specific parts of the frame.
Our workshops pick timber at their local timber yard, making judgements for grain, faults, beauty and so on. These days FSC certification is an expectation. We also ask them to consider where the tree has been grown – with domestically grown as a preference – but we trust our workshops to make the best pick for your furniture. We have asked, in order to save emissions, that nothing comes from outside Europe.
TRADITIONAL UPHOLSTERY
Traditional upholstery is created using many layers of natural materials used for their comfort, resilience and ability to be shaped. It takes the time and skill of our master upholsterers to create the subtle curves we design. While this form of upholstery seems laborious compared to the modern alternatives, its track record is proven and its health credentials are not in question.
At the base is jute webbing (sometimes mixed with cotton), tightly stretched into place to provide structural support. Layers of hessian and hand stitched horsehair follow, meticulously shaped to provide the beautiful lines you see from the outside. For thin flat stuffings we use loose hair needled into hessian because of its uniform surface.
For softness and fire resilience, cotton felt or wool may be added. Feather and down may additionally be used for cushioning. Finally, this is all enclosed beneath a calico lining before the final fabric is applied. The result is upholstery that breathes, adds comfort and holds its form.
Our Prices
At Sparver, we sell honest products made in the UK at a fair cost. If someone is making a similar piece but at a cheaper price we encourage you to research their practices. We do not inflate our prices to discount so we do not do sales.
We are always happy to talk about the making process and to incorporate your own preferences for materials. Please do get in touch to discuss your requirements.
