From Britain with Love

During 2004 we were in the process of preparing our garden to open for the NGS Garden Scheme when the regional organiser commented that we needed extra seating. I’d always hankered after a swing seat and set about trying to buy one. As a qualified joiner I soon realised that the quality, shape and aesthetics of the swing seats that were available were very disappointing, so I sent off to the USA for a set of basic swing seat plans. When they arrived I worked with my daughter, a professional artist, to improve the aesthetics, shape and comfort to create the unique handcrafted wooden swing seats that we make today. Since those early days our family business has made over 350 seats and our garden has raised over £5,000 for charity.

My workshop is at my home near Lyme Regis in Dorset and a lot of the inspiration for our Kyokusen Swing Seat (below, right) came from The Cobb Harbour. We are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) registered and the wood we use is Dorset grown Oak and Western Red Cedar. We work exclusively with local suppliers and I also work with a select group of other local craftsmen who can carve images, wording, dates and initials into the seats, and can also inlay ammonites from the nearby Jurassic Coast into the seat arms and backs.

I served my apprenticeship (too long ago to remember) as a joiner, so the combination of traditional skills combined with up to date machinery and fixings creates the sort of finished product we would like to think would have a 25 year life expectancy. Take a look at our video below to find out how we can personalise our swing seats to make the perfect gift for a special occasion.

We make a range of swings from a simple Single Oak Rope Swing (below left) to our most popular seller, the Kyokusen Swing Seat (below middle). Each and every one is unique as the curve on the legs is dictated by the way the tree grew before it was harvested. The name Kyokusen means ‘Curves in the air’ in Japanese and the design won a prestigious award from John Makepeace in 2008. The range is constantly evolving due to the individual requirements of our clients. We’re also about to launch a children’s scale model of The Hands (below right) in time for The Chelsea Flower Show in May.

In a country where financial services are the primary industry, to be able to produce a tangible product which is pleasing to the eye and sustainable gives great satisfaction. Getting feedback from our clients is always wonderful, especially as so many of our seats are given as gifts to celebrate a special occasion such as a wedding or anniversary. Also, exhibiting at The Chelsea Flower Show, where we get to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

These days most garden furniture comes from Far Eastern sources, creating as we now know, many environmental issues. Yet, here in Britain we have many sustainable timbers of excellent quality and durability, such as Western Red Cedar and English Oak. Britain is the country of my birth and I see no better place to be, and I am truly inspired by the organic forms of the Jurassic coast where I live.

When we entered our Kyokusen Swing Seat in a competition knowing that John Makepeace, the famous international furniture designer, was the judge I didn’t think the sheer scale and size of one of our four seater swing seats would appeal to him. But he loved it and spoke of the integrity and strength he saw in it and that’s why he judged it the winner.

Our website www.sittingspiritually.co.uk is absolutely key to our business and showcases our entire product range, as well as the bespoke items that we make to commission. This year will also be our third visit to The Chelsea Flower Show which has always been a successful event for us.

As the business has expanded we have developed a good network of local suppliers. Eype Down Sawmills from Bridport is now FSC registered thus ensuring our chain of custody stays intact. Gundry Bridport supply the ropes for our swings. and when things get really busy we get help from Ed Brooks, another Dorset based furniture maker.

Yes, Bridport Farmers Market on a Saturday is well worth a visit, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage Canteen has really livened up nearby Axminster.

We just love The Harbour Inn which is right on the beach at Lyme Regis... great food and a great place to sit at the end of a warm day.

We are so lucky to be able to walk on all the wonderful coastal paths and maybe rest awhile from time to time, just to take in the place and replenish the inspiration that is Sitting Spiritually.

Sitting Spiritually Video

Click 'play' on the video below to find out more about how we can personalise our handcrafted swing seats...