James Mursell

I have high expectations of all students, including complete novices, and teach them exactly the same methods that I use in my chairmaking. The usual pattern of teaching is a group discussion and demonstration followed by individual guidance. In a group I try to keep everybody together so that nobody is left behind, and provide a little extra assistance whenever necessary.

My greatest hope is that in addition to making a chair, students will gain a real appreciation for chairs in general (Windsors in particular) so that they will never look at them in the same way again.

Wood will be shaped using a variety of techniques including: shaving, turning, steam bending, and carving. Holes will be drilled at many different angles - none at right angles. Chairs will be finished if time allows and several alternatives approaches will be discussed.

Windsor furniture can be both functional and elegant. The search for the ‘perfect’ chair that combines both of these qualities is a goal worth striving for. Inspiration comes from master chairmakers of the mid-18th century.

On my website

I first learned to make Windsor chairs at West Dean with Jack Hill. Subsequently I studied with Mike Dunbar in the USA. Since then I consider myself to have been self-apprenticed, constantly striving for ‘perfection’.

I have been teaching since 2004 when I was first asked to run a course at West Dean. Since then teaching has become a major part of my business, and I run 15 - 20 courses each year. To date every student has returned home with a complete chair!

I wrote monthly articles for Good Woodworking for 2 ½ years; Furniture & Cabinet Making have written about me, and I have contributed series of articles over the past ten years; and I am close to completing my own book on Windsor chairs.

The Sussex Guild