Usher Joinery & Cabinet Making, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

30/11/2023

Sometime ago we worked on one of the oldest houses in Calderdale, this unassuming offcut of an oak beam has been kicking around the workshop since then. Last week, I spotted it yet again and decided it needed to be squared up, sanded and waxed, so Gary set to and here it is, a beautiful 200mm square lump of history. Just a block of wood? well look deeper. This section of a beam came out of a house that dates back to the early 1600's. The enormous beam had been used in a previous building too (reclamation is nothing new), we could tell because of the pocket holes cut into it from when it was used prior it's role over the last 4oo years. So, according to Malcolm Bull's Calderdale Companion, there was a 15th century timber framed house on this site prior to Smyth House being built. We can count 85 growth rings on this offcut, but remember, this is the reduced section of beam. So lets just say for instance that this tree was 100 - 150 years old when felled (and potentially much older than that), That suggests that this piece of Oak tree was quite possibly planted or naturally seeded around about 1250 -1300 AD. and I have no idea what to do with it now, other than look at it an ponder.

07/11/2023

We were asked to make a bespoke table & a couple of benches by a pal, as he had taken down and planked an Ash tree in his day job. No design parameters, just let it evolve. I'm quite pleased with the result. It sort of compliments the tree surgeon side of Mick. Always nice to do something a bit different.

15/07/2023

22/11/2021

We were thrilled to be asked to replicate a lovely Victorian door and window In Sapele hardwood, including refurbishment of existing leaded light glass into triple glazed units.

05/05/2021

A little bit of what we do best, domestic, commercial and museums.

05/08/2020

A nice little contract for: The refurbishment of existing windows and doors, including some hardwood replacement sliding sash windows, door frames and various rotten timber work, repairs to rainwater pipes and replacement stone sill in the original style, including redecoration works.

18/02/2020

Our young apprentice Barney has learnt a lot working on this small but perfectly formed exhibition from plank to completion. Understanding that sometimes our role is to create the centre piece but without it taking over from the purpose of the exhibition, therefore being made well and finished to a high standard, whilst remaining quietly in the back ground to allow the display to do its work.
This is for a competition for the 5 shortlisted architects designs to expand the National Railway Museum. Their ideas, concepts, models and video presentations are on show for the next 5 weeks or so. Feedback is encouraged from the public, so if you get chance call in and have your say.

09/07/2019

A great job for us to get our thinking caps on for yesterday. To reproduce a replacement for a 500 year old oak perlin beam with mitred tenon from another reclaimed oak beam from the same period. A bit like cutting cast iron. But pleased with the end result.

23/03/2019

A week of night works re laminating and re finishing "The Experiment Gallery" interactives at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester.

23/03/2019

Always up for a change of scenery, I think someone mentioned the "Asbestos" word

14/03/2019

Great to have a small role in the new Madagascar exhibition here at Chester Zoo, opening in a couple of weeks.