FAQs

Who is Alex Ward?

I am a Somerset-born chairmaker who apprenticed under the skilled craftsman and previous owner of this business, Colin Foxhall. Before returning to Somerset to continue the workshop, I studied Designer Making, graduating with a First Class degree, and worked in several leading bespoke design studios including Cox London.

In 2026 I returned home to carry on Colin’s legacy and continue the tradition of handmade Windsor chairmaking in Somerset.

Are all the chairs made by you personally?

Yes.

All the components are made by me in the workshop, mainly from UK green (unseasoned) timber, then carefully dried before assembly.

Bent components are solid timber, steam bent to shape. Particular care is taken with timber selection and moisture content so that the finished chairs remain strong and stable, even in modern centrally heated homes.

Do you make other things as well?

I am always interested in taking on bespoke commissions. If you have an idea, please get in touch via my contact page. 

Do you offer a guarantee?

Yes.

My chairs are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials or craftsmanship for five years from the date of purchase.

During this period I will repair or replace, at my discretion, any fault that arises from the making process.

This guarantee does not cover normal wear and tear from everyday use, or damage caused by misuse, neglect, or unsuitable environmental conditions.

Naturally, this does not affect your statutory rights.

What is a Windsor chair?

A Windsor chair is one with a shaped wooden seat into which all the other main components are fitted.

The legs and the back are inserted directly into the seat, rather than being part of a separate frame. This method of construction allows the angles and shapes to be carefully designed for comfort, strength and stability.

Many people remember them as the sort of chair Granny used to have by the fireside — and for good reason. They were designed to be comfortable and to last.

Do you use all traditional techniques?

Where traditional techniques work best, I use them.

However, I also make use of modern tools where they are sensible and efficient — particularly when removing waste material.

Tungsten carbide tools and diamond sharpening certainly have their place in the workshop. But shaping many of the components with an old-fashioned spokeshave is still the only way to achieve the right feel.

How long does it take to make a Windsor chair?

Each chair is made individually in the workshop, so the time required varies depending on the design and the current workload.

A chair itself takes many hours of shaping, drying, fitting and finishing.

If you are considering commissioning a chair, I am always happy to give an indication of the current lead time.

Some of your chairs look a bit delicate. Are they strong enough?

Yes, they are.

Some of my chairs are deliberately designed to look light and elegant. With careful timber selection and proper design, this does not mean they are weak.

In fact, the opposite is often true. Well-designed Windsor chairs are remarkably strong.

For those who prefer something more substantial in appearance, I also make designs of a more traditional “Old English” character.

How should I care for a Windsor chair?

Windsor chairs require very little maintenance.

Normal household conditions are perfectly suitable, although extremely dry environments, such as directly beside strong heat sources are best avoided.

Occasional cleaning with a soft cloth is usually sufficient. With sensible care, a well-made Windsor chair should give many decades of service.

What wood is used for Windsor chairs?

Traditional Windsor chairs can be made from a combination of timbers, each chosen for its particular qualities.

Seats are often made from elm, ash or oak because of there strength, lightness and resistance to splitting. Other components can be made from a selection of different timbers, provided they are strong and respond well to shaping and steam bending.

Why handmade chairs?

Quite simply, because they last longer and look better. In years to come, if you look after them, your handmade chairs will become heirlooms.

Handmade chairs can use thinner but carefully selected timber, which can actually improve both strength and flexibility by distributing stresses more effectively.

At first glance chairs of the same design may appear identical. Over time, however, small variations in shaping and timber will reveal themselves — subtle details that make each chair unique.

There are of course many perfectly serviceable machine-made chairs available, and they are usually cheaper. To survive machine manufacture, their components are generally made thicker, and machine-turned parts tend to be less crisp in detail.

Seats are usually less deeply sculpted, which can lead to a heavier or “lumpier” appearance.

All machine made chairs of a type will be more or less identical. And of course everyone has them!

How can I justify the additional cost of handmade chairs?

Apart from the sheer pleasure of owning furniture made by a craftsman, the longer life of a handmade chair often justifies the extra cost by itself.

Will my hand made chairs increase in value?

I can’t guarantee that they will.

At least not for the first fifty years.

After that… who knows?

Will cheap mass produced chairs increase in value?

No.

Why not simply buy antique Windsor chairs?

Good antique Windsor chairs can be beautiful pieces of furniture, full of character and history. However, finding a genuine set of matching chairs can be difficult, and when they do match well, they are often relatively expensive. Mixed or “harlequin” sets are more common.

Antique chairs were made in a time before central heating was widely used and were not designed for the dry conditions of modern homes. As a result, they will often be loose in the joints and may require ongoing maintenance to remain usable.

Commissioning a newly made Windsor chair allows you to enjoy the proportions and character of traditional designs, while having a chair built specifically for contemporary living. A new chair offers structural soundness, carefully selected timber, and a finish suited to today’s interiors.

Well-made antiques are always worth preserving, and I am happy to repair them where appropriate. They are not becoming more plentiful.

Can you send chairs overseas?

I am happy to sell chairs to customers overseas. However, the buyer would need to arrange and cover the cost of packing, collection, shipping, and insurance. At present, I am not able to organise international shipping directly.

Please be aware that overseas transport can be expensive, and all transactions must be completed in the UK in pounds sterling.

For customers in the EU or the United States, any import duties, taxes, or customs charges would be the responsibility of the buyer.

If you are considering an international purchase, I am very happy to discuss the practicalities before you make arrangements.

Can you carve motifs etc. on the chairs?

I have a method for carving neat initials onto children’s chairs.

However, I do not carve political, religious, campaigning, or contentious symbols or inscriptions on my work.