{"id":11920,"date":"2025-09-17T12:21:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T11:21:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/?p=11920"},"modified":"2025-09-17T12:21:50","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T11:21:50","slug":"the-forgotten-history-of-british-workshops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/the-forgotten-history-of-british-workshops\/","title":{"rendered":"The Forgotten History of British Workshops \u2014 And Why They Still Matter"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"sws_supernormalaction\"><button on=\"tap:superwebshare-lightbox\" class=\"superwebshare_normal_button1 superwebshare-button-large superwebshare-button-default superwebshare_prompt superwebshare_button_svg\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color: #1e73be;\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"superwebshare-svg\"  fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"0\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M789.86,323.67c91.79,0,164.25-72.46,164.25-164.25S881.64,0,789.86,0S625.6,72.46,625.6,164.25c0,4.83,0,14.49,0,24.15L306.76,371.98c-24.15-24.15-57.97-33.82-96.62-33.82c-91.79,0-164.25,72.46-164.25,164.25s72.46,164.25,164.25,164.25c38.65,0,72.46-14.49,96.62-33.82L625.6,821.26c0,9.66,0,14.49,0,19.32c0,86.96,72.46,159.42,159.42,159.42s159.42-72.46,159.42-159.42s-67.63-159.42-154.59-159.42c-33.82,0-67.63,9.66-96.62,33.82L374.4,526.57c0-9.66,0-19.32,0-24.15s0-14.49,0-24.15l318.84-188.41C717.39,314.01,751.21,323.67,789.86,323.67z\" \/><\/svg><span>Share<\/span><\/button><\/div><p data-start=\"352\" data-end=\"676\">Britain was built on workshops. From the clatter of hammers in Victorian metalworks to the quiet precision of joiners in East End backstreets, small workshops once powered the nation\u2019s economy and culture. Entire towns were known for their trades \u2014 potteries in Stoke, chair makers in High Wycombe, ironworks in <a href=\"https:\/\/sheffield.ac.uk\/\">Sheffield<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"678\" data-end=\"974\">Today, many of those workshops are gone \u2014 replaced by offshore factories and flat-pack furniture. But the story isn\u2019t over. A new generation of designers, makers, and independent brands are reviving <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitbritain.com\/en\">Britain\u2019s<\/a> workshop heritage, proving that craftsmanship isn\u2019t just nostalgia \u2014 it\u2019s the future.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"678\" data-end=\"974\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10447 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1EDC55009F28ABA677BF29451D078FB9687323D7.png.jpeg\" alt=\"alt=\u201cluxury rattan stackable chairs look for restaurant\u201d\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1EDC55009F28ABA677BF29451D078FB9687323D7.png.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1EDC55009F28ABA677BF29451D078FB9687323D7.png-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1EDC55009F28ABA677BF29451D078FB9687323D7.png-175x175.jpeg 175w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1EDC55009F28ABA677BF29451D078FB9687323D7.png-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1EDC55009F28ABA677BF29451D078FB9687323D7.png-200x200.jpeg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"979\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1013\">Britain\u2019s Workshop Heritage<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1235\">In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain\u2019s rise as an industrial powerhouse wasn\u2019t just about massive factories. It was about small workshops turning out furniture, tools, textiles, and ironwork that were built to last.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1511\">Carpenters and cabinetmakers turned out <strong data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1298\">antique furniture<\/strong> that still graces London townhouses today. Blacksmiths forged gates and fittings that survive centuries later. Every apprenticeship was a passport to pride and purpose, passing skills from master to apprentice.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1755\">This is the heritage we celebrate at Smithers \u2014 in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/reclaimed-wood-furniture.html\"><strong data-start=\"1568\" data-end=\"1591\">reclaimed furniture<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/\"><strong data-start=\"1593\" data-end=\"1612\">retro style furniture<\/strong><\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/industrial-furniture.html\"><strong data-start=\"1618\" data-end=\"1642\">industrial furniture<\/strong><\/a> collections. These pieces aren\u2019t just d\u00e9cor \u2014 they\u2019re a nod to the skill, graft, and grit that shaped Britain.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1755\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10682 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/42F8F97303BC26DA4B4AE8022C929846EC4D27C1.png.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/42F8F97303BC26DA4B4AE8022C929846EC4D27C1.png.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/42F8F97303BC26DA4B4AE8022C929846EC4D27C1.png-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/42F8F97303BC26DA4B4AE8022C929846EC4D27C1.png-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/42F8F97303BC26DA4B4AE8022C929846EC4D27C1.png-175x175.jpeg 175w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/42F8F97303BC26DA4B4AE8022C929846EC4D27C1.png-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/42F8F97303BC26DA4B4AE8022C929846EC4D27C1.png-200x200.jpeg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1757\" data-end=\"1760\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1782\">What Went Wrong<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"1938\">By the mid-20th century, mass production changed everything. Big factories replaced small workshops, then the factories themselves disappeared overseas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1940\" data-end=\"2139\">Between the 1970s and today, Britain lost more than half of its manufacturing jobs. Towns built on trade hollowed out. Craftsmanship became a \u201cluxury,\u201d something reserved for museums or collectors.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2265\">And what did we get instead? Disposable furniture, mass-produced in particleboard, designed to be replaced \u2014 not repaired.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2270\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2272\" data-end=\"2294\">The Craft Revival<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2296\" data-end=\"2460\">But here\u2019s the good news: the workshop spirit is back. Independent makers, boutique brands, and sustainable designers are fighting back against throwaway culture.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2462\" data-end=\"2701\">At Smithers, we\u2019ve built our name on reviving that spirit \u2014 from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/upcycled-retro-furniture.html\"><strong data-start=\"2527\" data-end=\"2549\">upcycled furniture<\/strong><\/a> made from vintage crates, to <strong data-start=\"2579\" data-end=\"2596\">aviator desks<\/strong> clad in hand-riveted aluminium, to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/designer-furniture\/nova-rattan-dining-chair.html\"><strong data-start=\"2632\" data-end=\"2658\">rattan armchair dining<\/strong><\/a> sets that bring back 1960s Riviera cool.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2703\" data-end=\"2990\">Our <strong data-start=\"2707\" data-end=\"2735\">bespoke furniture London<\/strong> projects bring this even closer to home \u2014 working with clients to design custom pieces that reflect their personality, whether it\u2019s an office desk inspired by a Spitfire wing or a one-off reclaimed wood dining table that will outlive the entire family.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2703\" data-end=\"2990\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11921 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nova-rattan-dining-chair.jpg\" alt=\"alt=&quot; rattan dining chairs&quot;\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nova-rattan-dining-chair.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nova-rattan-dining-chair-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nova-rattan-dining-chair-175x175.jpg 175w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nova-rattan-dining-chair-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nova-rattan-dining-chair-200x200.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2992\" data-end=\"2995\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2997\" data-end=\"3028\">Workshops Beyond Furniture<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3030\" data-end=\"3142\">This workshop revival isn\u2019t just about wood and metal. It\u2019s about every corner of design \u2014 including lighting.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3144\" data-end=\"3390\">Our <strong data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3167\">neon sign signs<\/strong> collection is crafted by skilled makers who bend and gas-fill every tube by hand. These aren\u2019t mass-produced LED knock-offs \u2014 they\u2019re the real deal, designed to bring Soho swagger to your living room, bar, or restaurant.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3392\" data-end=\"3600\">And yes \u2014 even your nursery can benefit from this approach. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/creating-a-perfect-space-with-a-nursing-chair-for-breastfeeding\/\"><strong data-start=\"3456\" data-end=\"3491\">nursery chairs<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0isn\u2019t just a seat, it\u2019s a hand-finished piece designed to last, built for comfort and style, not landfill.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3392\" data-end=\"3600\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11608 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Nursery-chair-for-breastfeeding-smithers-UK-US-rocking-chair-nursing-min.png\" alt=\"alt=&quot;nursery chair for breastfeeding Uk, Us Rocking nursing chair\u201c\" width=\"1140\" height=\"1140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Nursery-chair-for-breastfeeding-smithers-UK-US-rocking-chair-nursing-min.png 1140w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Nursery-chair-for-breastfeeding-smithers-UK-US-rocking-chair-nursing-min-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Nursery-chair-for-breastfeeding-smithers-UK-US-rocking-chair-nursing-min-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Nursery-chair-for-breastfeeding-smithers-UK-US-rocking-chair-nursing-min-175x175.png 175w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Nursery-chair-for-breastfeeding-smithers-UK-US-rocking-chair-nursing-min-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Nursery-chair-for-breastfeeding-smithers-UK-US-rocking-chair-nursing-min-200x200.png 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3602\" data-end=\"3605\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3607\" data-end=\"3642\">Why Government Support Matters<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3644\" data-end=\"3831\">If Britain wants to keep its skills alive, it needs more than good intentions. We need more apprenticeships, more small-batch makers, and better access to workshops for young designers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3833\" data-end=\"4039\">The government\u2019s current apprenticeship schemes are a start, but we need to treat craft as seriously as code. Not every kid wants to sit in front of a screen \u2014 some want to build, weld, shape, and create.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4041\" data-end=\"4184\">This is where councils, heritage bodies, and universities can step in \u2014 by linking up small brands with funding, research, and trade support.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4186\" data-end=\"4189\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4191\" data-end=\"4217\">Why It Matters to You<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4219\" data-end=\"4493\">When you buy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/reclaimed-wood-furniture.html\"><strong data-start=\"4232\" data-end=\"4260\">reclaimed wood furniture<\/strong><\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/sofas-and-armchairs.html\"><strong data-start=\"4264\" data-end=\"4282\">armchairs<\/strong><\/a>, or a piece of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/industrial-furniture-buying-guide\/\"><strong data-start=\"4298\" data-end=\"4322\">industrial style furniture<\/strong><\/a>, you\u2019re doing more than decorating your home. You\u2019re keeping a living tradition alive. You\u2019re putting money back into local skills, not faceless overseas supply chains.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4744\">And you\u2019re buying furniture that tells a story. Pieces that will still look good in 10 years. Pieces that can be repaired, refinished, passed down \u2014 just like those original antique cabinets and tables that still turn up in London salerooms today.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4744\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10614 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roadie-sideboard.jpg.webp\" alt=\"alt=\u201cstudio furniture bespoke custom east London made desks mixing recording production London UK \u201d\" width=\"734\" height=\"734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roadie-sideboard.jpg.webp 734w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roadie-sideboard.jpg-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roadie-sideboard.jpg-175x175.webp 175w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/roadie-sideboard.jpg-200x200.webp 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 734px) 100vw, 734px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4746\" data-end=\"4749\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4751\" data-end=\"4777\">The Smithers Approach<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4779\" data-end=\"5006\">We don\u2019t just sell products. We tell stories. Every piece \u2014 from our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/\"><strong data-start=\"4848\" data-end=\"4876\">antique furniture London<\/strong><\/a> finds to our <strong data-start=\"4890\" data-end=\"4912\">upcycled furniture<\/strong> collections \u2014 comes with its own backstory, its own fingerprints of the maker who built it.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5008\" data-end=\"5107\">This is what makes British workshops worth fighting for \u2014 and why we\u2019ll keep shouting about them.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5109\" data-end=\"5112\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"5114\" data-end=\"5168\">Ready to Bring a Piece of Workshop History Home?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5170\" data-end=\"5265\">If this story resonates, now\u2019s the time to invest in something real. Explore our collections:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5267\" data-end=\"5730\">\n<li data-start=\"5267\" data-end=\"5363\">\n<p data-start=\"5269\" data-end=\"5363\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/bespoke-furniture\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5269\" data-end=\"5361\">London Bespoke Furniture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5364\" data-end=\"5467\">\n<p data-start=\"5366\" data-end=\"5467\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5366\" data-end=\"5465\">Reclaimed Wood Furniture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5468\" data-end=\"5563\">\n<p data-start=\"5470\" data-end=\"5563\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5470\" data-end=\"5561\">Industrial Furniture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5564\" data-end=\"5649\">\n<p data-start=\"5566\" data-end=\"5649\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5566\" data-end=\"5647\">Retro Furniture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5650\" data-end=\"5730\">\n<p data-start=\"5652\" data-end=\"5730\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/neon-sign-inspiration-hub-the-supreme-light-glow-guide-by-smithers\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5652\" data-end=\"5728\">Neon Sign Signs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10622\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Photoroom_20250527_181336-1536x1152.jpeg\" alt=\"alt=\u201ccustom neon sign led and glass gas made in London Uk \u201d\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Photoroom_20250527_181336-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Photoroom_20250527_181336-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Photoroom_20250527_181336-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Photoroom_20250527_181336-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.smithersofstamford.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Photoroom_20250527_181336.jpeg 2016w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5732\" data-end=\"5864\">Because Britain\u2019s workshop story isn\u2019t over. And with every piece you bring into your home, you\u2019re helping write the next chapter.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sws_supernormalaction\"><button on=\"tap:superwebshare-lightbox\" class=\"superwebshare_normal_button1 superwebshare-button-large superwebshare-button-default superwebshare_prompt superwebshare_button_svg\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color: #1e73be;\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"superwebshare-svg\"  fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"0\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M789.86,323.67c91.79,0,164.25-72.46,164.25-164.25S881.64,0,789.86,0S625.6,72.46,625.6,164.25c0,4.83,0,14.49,0,24.15L306.76,371.98c-24.15-24.15-57.97-33.82-96.62-33.82c-91.79,0-164.25,72.46-164.25,164.25s72.46,164.25,164.25,164.25c38.65,0,72.46-14.49,96.62-33.82L625.6,821.26c0,9.66,0,14.49,0,19.32c0,86.96,72.46,159.42,159.42,159.42s159.42-72.46,159.42-159.42s-67.63-159.42-154.59-159.42c-33.82,0-67.63,9.66-96.62,33.82L374.4,526.57c0-9.66,0-19.32,0-24.15s0-14.49,0-24.15l318.84-188.41C717.39,314.01,751.21,323.67,789.86,323.67z\" \/><\/svg><span>Share<\/span><\/button><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ShareBritain was built on workshops. From the clatter of hammers in Victorian metalworks to the quiet precision of joiners in East End backstreets, small workshops once powered the nation\u2019s economy and culture. Entire towns were known for their trades \u2014&#133;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1406,"featured_media":11922,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[916],"tags":[1199,1200],"class_list":["post-11920","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-british-furniture-manufacturers","tag-british-furniture-shop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.0 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Forgotten History of British Workshops \u2014 And Why They Still Matter<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the forgotten story of Britain\u2019s workshops \u2013 from antique furniture and rattan armchair dining. why the UK\u2019s craft revival matters for your home.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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