The Radcliffe Trust are proud to support organisations that preserve and promote traditional craftsmanship. One such organisation is the Edward Barnsley’s Trust, the Edward Barnsley historic Arts and Crafts workshops are a cornerstone of British furniture-making since its founding in 1923.
With a legacy rooted in excellence and design, the workshop continues to pass on decades of accumulated knowledge to a new generation of aspiring makers.
Edward Barnsley’s workshop has long been a place of inspiration, welcoming visitors through open days and organised tours. These guests include both craft enthusiasts and future furniture-makers, drawn by the workshop’s reputation for quality and its commitment to training.
Transforming Lives Through Apprenticeships
Central to the workshop’s mission is its apprenticeship programme, which has had a transformative impact on the lives of its trainees. Since the establishment of the Edward Barnsley Educational Trust in 1980, sixty-eight individuals have received training — many of whom have gone on to build successful careers in the craft.
Several now hold positions where they mentor others, continuing the cycle of skill-sharing and craftsmanship.
Our Grant in Action
Our most recent grant to the workshop has had a direct and meaningful impact on its current cohort of apprentices. It has enabled the organisation to enhance the experience of four trainees and provided the financial stability needed to confidently recruit new apprentices.
As a result, two new individuals will begin their journey at the workshop this September.
Among the current apprentices is Jacob Janoff, who is entering his third year of training. Jacob’s development has been impressive. He began by crafting his first pieces entirely by hand — starting with the traditional octagonal oak breadboard, a project designed to teach precision and tool sharpening.
Since then, he has produced increasingly complex pieces, including boxes, lamps, stools, a corner cabinet, and a storage stand for a local church. Most recently, Jacob completed a set of library steps for a client’s Manhattan apartment.
Jacob’s journey reflects the ethos of Edward Barnsley’s workshop: dedication, craftsmanship, and continuous learning. As he prepares for the next step in his career, we are proud to have played a part in supporting his growth.
Why Our Support Matters
“The grant to us from the Radcliffe Trust has enabled us to provide life-changing training to aspiring furniture-makers. Without grants we simply could not afford to train apprentices as we do. Our organisation would probably be forced to charge fees to our trainees, thereby making the skills training we offer accessible only to those with some money behind them. We want to provide training that is accessible to anyone, providing they have some natural ability and the determination needed to establish a career making high quality furniture.”
— Edward Barnsley’s Workshop
We at The Radcliffe Trust are deeply committed to ensuring that traditional skills remain accessible to all — not just those with financial means. Supporting Edward Barnsley’s workshop aligns perfectly with our mission to foster excellence in the arts and heritage.
We are honoured to contribute to a programme that not only preserves craftsmanship but also transforms lives.