Blunts Joinery Supplies had an article published in Countryside La Vie Magazine.
We've reprinted the article here, or go to COUNTRYSIDE LA VIE to view the online version.
Climbing The Stairway To Success
Blunts Joinery Suppliers were established in 1990 by Michael and Sharon Blunt together with sons Jed and Todd - this is a family affair. Now taking more of a back seat Jed has taken over the reign and you couldn't be in safer hands.
Encouraged by his Dad who bought him his first lathe (wood turning machine to you and me!) at the tender age of 7 Jed was making fruit bowls, goblets and trinket boxes (when the rest of the kids were swapping Pokemon cards!!) There are only a handful of woodturners remaining in Leicestershire and sadly only a couple remain who hand carve now, thankfully Blunts do. What a young entrepreneur, you have to give him full credit for learning on the job, this gained him accolade as the youngest woodturner in the British woodturners association (BWTA) what a credit to his dedication and determination. Around the age of 17 his passion for wood took him in the direction of growing and cultivating Bonsai trees. This little business at an early age flourished, but came to nothing as £15,000 worth of his trees were stolen. "A very upsetting time for me" says Jed, however he dusted himself down and threw himself into his work - his love of wood, and being a perfectionist to boot is a great trait which is demonstrated through his craftsmanship and natural talent.
He is fully trained with every NVQ you could possess. While making bespoke sash windows and doors, his passion lies in his love of creating staircases. The one pictured is made from sapelle wood (mahogany to you and me) and is one of his favourites and most enjoyable to create. This enthusiasm may have stemmed from being brought up around antiques admiring their beauty or frequent visits to stately homes as a young child and truly appreciating the historic and architectural value. He adds "It's what makes you proud to be British, what has been made by man can be created by another and I do not want this trade to be lost" The more challenging the stairs the better and he has gone on to make incredible stairs - spiral, sweeping grand staircases, you name it he's made it. Certainly making a name for himself he has been offered work around the world from Dubai to Sweden - maybe it's the work he has done for names such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Harvey Nichols or Dolce & Gabbana - word of mouth certainly travels!! Conservation work is close to his heart and he has worked on churches to restore pews and was recently involved in helping to renovate a Victorian hotel in Birmingham. Jed also had a hand in the recent refurbishment of the Savoy Hotel London.
Blunts only use FSC timber which is governed by the Forest Stewardship Council which is specifically grown, a sustainable use of timber and Eco friendly.
Price quoted and guaranteeing you get quality craftsmanship, creating things that are built to last generations and the rigours of daily use, unlike some jobs he has been called out to rectify such as MDF eaves, and replacing stairs made from Chinese oak (yes Chinese!! which is a far softer wood than the British oak they use) If you want the best then you have to call upon the best so give Blunts a call for a no obligation chat.
Read the Countryside La Vie article.
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