With over 40 years experience in woodworking, it is John's passion to build quality functional custom furniture pieces with clean elegant lines, incorporating quiet details and accents to enhance visual vitality. The work of cabinet making, the designing, joining and finishing of a piece has always appealed to him. The process demands the use of both the hands and the mind. His deepest satisfaction comes from designing a piece that is useful and interesting while enhancing the customer's home.
It was in the North East of England that he was introduced to woodworking through his father. Little did he imagine this initial exposure to wood and tools would lead to a lifelong love of making furniture. After leaving school he served a traditional woodworking apprenticeship by attending the Newcastle College of Arts & Technology, completing a 4 year City & Guilds Institute apprenticeship course in 1980. He spent 25 years as a journeyman woodworker producing everything from kitchen cabinetry to fine furniture. Working alongside many talented craftsmen during this time allowed him to hone the skills and gain the experience he needed to build the fine furniture he produces today as John Parkinson Furniture.
In 2005 after moving to the United States and locating in Austin, TX he started John Parkinson Furniture. This new venture has had the unforeseen benefit of making him a better craftsman. Being responsible for the quality of every detail in a project is not to be taken lightly when a customer is putting their trust in you. During his 10 years in Austin he was a regular exhibitor a the annual West Austin Studio Tour (WEST). Since June 2015, John Parkinson Furniture has been located in Durham, NC where he continues to make heirloom quality custom furniture for discerning customers across the United States.
