From their workshop in rural Northamptonshire, woodworkers Sean Best and Ellie Smalls create handmade wooden tableware for the modern home, using exclusively British-grown timbers.
Selwyn House designs modern yet warm; easy-to-live-with items intended to be used and enjoyed for a lifetime. Their workshop specialises in woodturning, with many items starting their life on the lathe. All pieces go through slow, considered processes by hand, and are always finished to be food-safe.
Earlier this year, we met Sean and Ellie, the talented duo who breathe life into these beautiful objects.
Sean begins by carefully selecting timber based on its grain. He planes and cuts the blank to size, preparing it for the lathe. Once securely chucked, Sean expertly turns the wood, and the vase starts to take shape. The vase is then handed over to Ellie, who meticulously sands and oils it, bringing out the wood’s unique grain and character.
At Selwyn House, the most important element is the handmade process – each piece is crafted from rough-sawn timber or individually turned on the lathe. Selwyn House designs are both functional and beautiful, ensuring that every piece feels just right in your hand, from its weight and texture to its size. The finishing oils and waxes are carefully chosen to suit each type of timber and product.
