What are the hallmarks of quality artistry?
Beaumont & Fletcher’s owner and creative director, Jana Durisova, shares her thoughts on craftsmanship.
As a luxury British brand, our deep-rooted belief is in the enduring style and value of quality craftsmanship. Driven by our unwavering commitment to artisan skills, we purposefully create pieces to be loved for a lifetime and beyond.
I like to think of quality craftsmanship as an art form that merges the highest level of skill and passion, with the finest materials. If one of these key components is missing, it simply doesn’t work.
Skilled craftsmen, such as our team of bespoke furniture makers, understand that high-quality materials are the all-important foundation of a durable and beautiful product. They understand that the quality and characteristics of the raw materials significantly influence the final product.
For instance, in furniture making, the choice of hardwoods like beech or walnut can provide the longevity and beauty that softer woods simply cannot. At Beaumont & Fletcher, we spend considerable time sourcing and selecting the best materials, knowing that this investment pays off in the end product.
Attention to detail is another promise of quality craftsmanship. This involves a meticulous approach to every aspect of the creation process. From the initial design to the finishing touches, a quality craftsman ensures that each step is executed with precision. This might include ensuring that joints are seamlessly fitted in woodworking, edges are perfectly aligned in metalwork, or embroidery beads are uniformly stitched by hand. Such attention to detail not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the structural integrity of the item.
That said, when items are fully made by hand, rather than with laser precision machines, there should always be a little tolerance or a unique hallmark as I like to call it. When you understand craftsmanship, you understand the unique beauty of art, and in my opinion, it adds to the allure of each piece. It creates a charm you simply don’t get with mass production.
Through our commitment to quality craftsmanship, we pay homage to traditional skills passed down through generations and marry these with modern innovations. A master craftsman understands the nuances of their tools and techniques, whether it’s the precise control required for hand-carving intricate designs in wood, the steady hand needed for fine metal soldering, or the delicate touch necessary for hand-sewing fabric. Technical skill is about more than just manual dexterity; it involves a deep understanding of the properties of the materials and the most effective methods to manipulate them.
Above all, I believe quality craftsmanship is instilled with an incredible sense of pride. I have the pleasure of watching our craftsmen in action and I am always blown away by not only their intense focus, but the immense satisfaction they take from their work. It’s a sight to behold.
To find out more about Beaumont & Fletcher’s handmade sofas and chairs, lights, mirrors and couture embroidery visit www.beaumontandfletcher.com.