Robert Howard, Robert Howard Woodworker (Studio Furniture 2018)

Graduate mechanical engineers are not supposed to work as trade cabinetmakers. Yet, on a fine sunny day, sometime in the mid-1980s, I found myself standing in the middle of a solid cedar, four poster bed that I was making, in a furniture factory in Sydney. I remember, very clearly, looking around at my fellow cabinetmakers, and thinking to myself: ‘I can’t believe I’m being paid to do this’. I was in woodworking heaven, blessed as too few are, doing work that I absolutely loved. Now, thirty years later, I can look back and see the full significance of my luck. I went on to become a self-employed woodworker in mid-1988, and have continued as one ever since. I buy this freedom by indulging in another love, teaching, in both private classes and by writing for the Australian Wood Review. I have been doing both for more than 25 years. I hope to continue in this way until I depart in a box. Of my own design, and made with my own hands, of course. Website: www.roberthoward.com.au

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