Meet the Qrafties: Thomas Williams, Dedicated Carpenter and Wood Artist in Hong Kong

5 Mins Read

Thomas Williams is a passionate carpenter and wood artist in Hong Kong. Thomas has handmade many wood furniture from zero to one and he continues to develop his skills through different new projects. He also enjoys hand-making smaller pieces of woodcraft such as a jewellery tree that hold and display jewellery in an artistic way. The river coffee table made from wood and resin is one of his signature works. Thomas came from the UK and he has been living in Hong Kong for nearly four years. The things that he is interested to do in Hong Kong are quite different compared to the time when he is living in the UK. Thomas loved spending time with his cars when he was living in the UK and he still has two of them back there; one classic 1988 Japanese Mazda and a bright yellow Honda. His interests now are more about socializing with friends he met in Hong Kong and building his fish tank. Yes, he is making a fish tank from scratch!

When did you start making woodcraft and what do you like about it?

I have always been making things from wood since an early age, well from when I can remember. Professionally from the age of sixteen. I like to make the ideas I have in my head and challenge myself.

How did you pick up the skill of being a wood artist? Do you have a mentor?

I guess my learning started at the age of twelve when I was at school and I studied Design and Technology. I wouldn't say I had a mentor as such but I spent a lot of my learning time with the company I did my apprenticeship with. It was a family run business making wooden musical instruments and kitchens.

Have you always been using wood as the art material or have you tried using other materials?

I use different materials regularly. Wood, metal, plastics, and resins. I have also made a traditional English style oak side table from reclaimed oak and turned an old staircase into a lovely side table for a living space.

Share with us about your signature piece of furniture, the river coffee table.

I built the river table with inspiration from nature. It reflects water flowing across fallen trees in a stream. The top is made from European ash which has great warmth against the colder-looking river. The base of the table is American oak, burnt to bring out the fantastic grain, and is joined together using the traditional dovetail joints with the concept to join nature back together again.

“A lot of the time it’s harder to correct mistakes than to make from scratch.”

— Thomas Williams, Carpenter and Wood Artist

What are the things that you consider when building a piece of woodcraft or wood furniture?

I consider the environment as this could determine what materials can be used.

Share with us a time when you have received instruction that you didn’t agree with. How did you manage that?

With making furniture for clients, it's very common to not really like what they ask for as custom furniture is very personal and everyone's style is different. I think communication and being consultative are fundamentals.

What do you think makes an outstanding carpenter?

Someone that can correct mistakes. A lot of the time it's harder to correct mistakes than to make from scratch.

Would you be interested to pass on your skills to others?

I teach basic woodwork on a regular basis but would like to teach more advanced techniques in the future.

What are you building next?

A modern tv and bookcase full wall storage cabinets with fold-up doors and a desk.

WORDS FROM OUR FOUNDER

“Thomas joined Qraftie as a seller at the pre-launched stage and he has been an engaged member since then. Thomas builds furniture as his full-time profession and I am inspired by his dedication. I remember asking him about what he enjoys doing during his spare time and he told me that he enjoys building furniture. So I guess we can say Thomas is a carpenter by day and a carpenter by night. That probably explains why he is an outstanding carpenter in many people’s minds. Thomas keeps inspiring us with his new inventions and I look forward to seeing his new woodcrafts soon. And of course, the new fish tank too.”

Thank you for being an appreciative reader as always. Meet the Qrafties is a series of Qraftie sellers’ stories, sharing with you the passion and hard work behind the creative works you see in their Qraftie stores. If you enjoy reading this blog post, please share it with your family and friends. Stay tuned for our next Meet the Qrafties story.

July 2020