Simon Thomas Pirie

25/06/2026

The 'Under the Arches' table underframe owes it's construction to Simon's fascination with bridges. This example has a rectangular elm top supported by a black walnut underframe with wonderfully engineered, swooping arches connecting the substantial legs at either end. And yet most people who sit at this table are probably completely unaware of the drama and beauty beneath the table top!

23/06/2026

June's 'Island of the Month' is this beauty. It is unusual for a number of reasons:
- it is built almost diagonally across the room. This is because of the unusual shape of the space. Rather than try to 'square' it off, Simon chose to work with the angled back wall, inviting visitors to enter the room and move through it, rather than creating a barrier across it.
- it is made from Black Walnut and Cherry, a timber not commonly chosen for kitchens, it has rich warm red tones.
- it houses a professional grade range cooker. The client is a keen cook who wanted the cooker central to the entertaining space.
-it has a higher than usual breakfast bar. This is a very tall family - they wanted a higher bar for day to day comfort.
This is the true definition of bespoke design. There are lots more bespoke features in this kitchen which you can read about on our blog. Click the link in our bio and search the blog for 'Walnut & Cherry Kitchen, Salisbury'.

21/06/2026

All of these tables have the same design of underframe, the Banquet.
It features a pair of curved legs branching up from a single foot at either end. Strength and stability is provided by two arched beams joining the legs along the table's length. This design is incredibly strong but is also delicate and unassuming.

19/06/2026

This Centre Leg Frame for a lozenge top dining table is constructed of Black Walnut. The legs are positioned in the centre of each side rather than on the corners and are set back from the top and angled away to prevent knees being banged whilst at the same time providing ample room for feet. This design is accompanied by flash details on the oak table top providing added interest and suggesting a hint of the frame beneath. The intersecting arches provide strength and stability as well as visual interest.

17/06/2026

May was largely taken up with Dorset Art Weeks 2026 and as a consequence there was no 'Island of the Month' for May - sorry about that!
Normal service will now resume and with a few weeks of June ahead, we will be focussing on dining tables - not their tops, though these are of course beautiful - but the part that is essential for without it the top is useless! We are of course referring to the underframe which, as those who attended 'Artists in Conversation' will know, is Simon's favourite part of the table.
Keep checking back to see these design masterpieces in more detail and watch out for June's island of the month...

07/06/2026

Today is your last chance to visit our amazing venues! ⭐️⭐️ With 294 unique art venues to explore across the county…don’t miss out.
Immerse yourself in creativity - what a great way to spend a Sunday!

Discover a wealth of original talent, from intricate jewellery and textiles to stunning ceramics, paintings, and sculptures. Many of these exceptional works are for sale, giving you the chance to support local creators and find a one-of-a-kind treasure to keep.

‼️Making a special journey - ring ahead to check the venue is open!
All venue details can be found on our website - link in bio 🔗

DORSET ART WEEKS 2026
23 MAY - 7 JUNE

CELEBRATING OPEN STUDIOS & EXHIBITIONS ACROSS DORSET.

🏷️ Dorset Art Weeks, DAW26, Dorset Visual Arts, Visit Dorset, Art in Dorset, Dorset Open Studios, Dorset Exhibitions, Visual Arts, day out in Dorset.

04/06/2026

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

A little look at what's been going on in the workshop today...

31/05/2026