Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

  1. HACE 2 DÍAS

    Louisa Pacifico on Pricing Premium Craft, Saying No and Building a Sustainable Creative Business

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Louisa Pacifico, founder of Future Icons about how makers turn skill into a viable business without undercutting their value. Louisa explains why premium craft succeeds through fewer higher value sales rather than volume, and why many artisans struggle because they price emotionally rather than commercially. The conversation covers gallery relationships, press strategy licensing contracts and the importance of knowing when to say no. Louisa also discusses her role curating Future Icons Selects during London Craft Week and how makers should approach shows with clarity, purpose and realistic expectations. This episode offers practical insight for craftspeople who want longevity rather than noise. Key Topics Covered What Future Icons does for established makersPricing premium craft correctlyUnderstanding audience and market fitFewer sales higher margins business modelWhy saying no protects long term valueGallery introductions and exhibition strategyLicensing work with international brandsLegal contracts and intellectual propertyPress coverage and media positioningApprenticeships internships and education routesFunding grants and bursaries for makersCurating Future Icons Selects for London Craft Week Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 What Future Icons does and why it exists 03:00 Pricing problems in the craft sector 08:44 Knowing when not to do a show 15:27 Value based pricing versus cheap tenders 20:20 Learning business by doing 24:55 Funding education and apprenticeships 34:52 Curating Future Icons Selects 42:08 Regional buyers and gallery strategy 50:46 Advice to young makers 52:10 How to contact Louisa & Future Icons

    56 min
  2. 5 FEB

    Studio Furthermore on Moon Rock Furniture, Recycled Aluminium and Designing the Future

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Marina Dragomirova and Iain Howlett, founders of Studio Furthermore about their Moon Rock Project and the long road of material driven design. They explain how six years of experimentation led to an aluminium foam made from recycled car wheels and how that material became a cabinet unveiled in Miami that shocked audiences when opened. The conversation covers material failure, foundry collaboration, storytelling in collectible design and the limits of photography in conveying physical work. Marina and Iain also discuss gallery relationships, sustainability futurism and their next chapter working with Japanese craftsmen on laminated plywood furniture. This episode offers a clear view of how new materials become meaningful objects through patience, research and conviction. Key Topics Covered The Moon Rock Project and aluminium foam developmentUsing recycled car wheels as raw materialDesigning furniture through material researchCreating shock and transformation through formFoundry collaboration and long term partnershipsPushing thinness scale and structural limitsArt furniture fairs and collector audiencesStorytelling in collectible designSustainability futurism and science driven aestheticsWorking with galleries and curatorsThe limits of photography and the need for physical experienceNew work with Japanese craftsmen and plywood furniture Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Introducing Studio Furthermore and Moon Rock 03:58 The Miami cabinet and the shock reveal 07:01 Foundry collaboration and process control 13:11 Scaling up and thinking beyond furniture 20:38 Early ceramic foam experiments 35:10 RCA influence and material research 46:18 Storytelling and selling collectible design 1:01:19 Working with Japanese...

    1 h y 18 min
  3. 29 ENE

    Steve Briggs on Church Conservation Stone Masonry and Building a Sustainable Heritage Business

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Steve Briggs, founder of Briggs and Sons Masonry about conservation led stone masonry and the realities of scaling a heritage business. Steve explains why retaining original fabric matters, how church and listed building work demands restraint and judgement, and why replacement comes last. The conversation covers running a contracting arm alongside a consultancy for listed homes, navigating consent and surveys, training the next generation, and choosing culture and quality over rapid turnover. This episode offers a grounded view of craft led growth in the UK heritage sector. Key Topics Covered Church restoration and heritage conservationRetaining original fabric in historic buildingsStone masonry brickwork leadwork and roofsListed building consents surveys and maintenance plansRunning contracting and consultancy businesses togetherRejecting short term fixes in favour of longevityTraining trainees and paying for learning timeScaling from small teams to sustainable growthProtecting company culture during expansionCustomer care over chasing turnoverLearning craft through family and experienceThe future of heritage skills in the UK Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Introducing Steve Briggs and conservation masonry 02:10 Keeping original fabric wherever possible 05:40 Church restoration realities 09:15 Running contracting and consultancy work 13:30 Listed building consents and surveys 18:45 Scaling teams and managing growth pain 24:20 Training trainees properly 30:05 Culture over turnover 35:40 Learning craft through family 41:10 Sustainability in heritage businesses 46:30 Attracting the next generation

    1 h y 21 min
  4. 22 ENE

    Robin Redmile-Gordon on Ichi-Coo Park, Craft Apprenticeships, AI and Building a Life Through Making

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Robin Redmile-Gordon, Director of Ichi-Coo Park, about building a life shaped by creativity and long term thinking. Robin shares how transforming Russ Hill Farm into a vast garden and living artwork helped him stay sane while running a global IT company. The conversation moves through craftsmanship collaboration and why clear briefs unlock exceptional work from skilled people. Robin offers a blunt critique of modern education and exam driven learning, argues for apprenticeships rooted in real work, and explains why holistic learning matters more than qualifications. Robin also discusses AI as a practical tool for thinking diagnosis and productivity, shares his experience of living with terminal blood cancer and the role of Turkey Tail mushrooms, and outlines ideas for a future where skills, purpose and creativity matter more than bureaucracy. This episode challenges conventional thinking and defends making as a meaningful way to live. Key Topics Covered Building Itchy Park as a living artworkLong term collaboration with craftspeopleValue over cost in bespoke workClear briefs and creative freedomGardening as a form of artEscaping stress through making and landscapeApprenticeships and skills based learningFailures of exam focused educationHolistic learning and curiosity driven teachingTeaching through real work not theoryAI as a practical tool for thinking and diagnosisCritique of fear around artificial intelligenceLiving with terminal blood cancerTurkey Tail mushrooms and blood health Purpose identity and creating meaningful workClip Fest and community making events Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its

    1 h y 28 min
  5. 15 ENE

    Sam Kille on Furniture Making Discipline Design Identity and Building Heirloom Quality Work

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with furniture designer Sam Kille about his route from military service into bespoke furniture making. Sam explains how carpentry and joinery in the Royal Engineers shaped his discipline precision and approach to craft. He talks openly about running a furniture business with a partner, stepping away during Covid, and returning with a clearer sense of direction. The conversation covers Scandinavian and Japanese influences, heirloom quality furniture, and the realities of selling bespoke work in the UK. Sam also discusses pricing honestly, choosing the right clients, diversifying income through kitchen work, and why furniture should last generations. This episode offers a grounded view of what it takes to build a sustainable furniture practice without shortcuts. Key Topics Covered Moving from the military into furniture makingCarpentry and joinery as a foundation skillDiscipline precision and craft standardsScandinavian and Japanese furniture influencesBuilding heirloom quality furnitureRunning and closing a furniture partnershipDiversifying income through kitchens and joinerySelling bespoke furniture in the UK marketPricing work realisticallyChoosing clients carefullyLong term value of quality furnitureApprenticeships traditional skills and teachingWork life balance and four day workingIdentity ownership and returning to furniture making Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Sam Kille and his background 01:10 Military training and carpentry trade 02:38 Starting a furniture business with a partner 03:39 Closing the business and stepping away 04:29 Design influences and visual...

    50 min
  6. 8 ENE

    Laurent Peacock on Bespoke Furniture Design Craftsmanship and Finding a Creative Identity

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with South London furniture designer Laurent Peacock about his route from industrial design into bespoke furniture making. Laurent explains why mass production left him cold and how working directly with wood gave him clarity and purpose. He talks openly about earning the Guild Mark and the validation it brought both personally and professionally. The conversation explores the tension between form and function in contemporary furniture design, the pressure to build a recognisable style, and the reality of making work that must last as well as look right. Laurent also shares his discomfort with self promotion, his approach to exhibitions, and why tactility and physical interaction sit at the centre of his work. This episode offers a clear and honest view of what it takes to build a sustainable practice in high quality furniture making. Key Topics Covered Moving from industrial design to furniture makingThe role of wood as a tactile and approachable materialAchieving the Guild Mark and what it representsValidation skill and confidence in craftBuilding a network within the woodworking communityThe gap between functional furniture and art furnitureBalancing form function and longevityThe challenge of storytelling in furniture designExhibitions galleries and visibilityPromoting work without compromising valuesDeveloping a recognisable creative identityTactility interaction and physical engagement with furniture Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Laurent Peacock and his background 00:34 Early fascination with making and design 02:20 Industrial design and dissatisfaction with mass production 03:31 Discovering furniture making and working with wood 05:10 Submitting work for the Guild Mark 06:45 Validation confidence and opening...

    1 h y 8 min
  7. 1 ENE

    Ella Fielding on Chainsaw Carving, Creativity, Neurodiversity and the Power of Making

    This episode of Yours for the Making dives deep into the world of chainsaw sculptor Ella Fielding. Her story offers a clear view of how creativity takes shape when instinct, physical craft and neurodiversity come together. Robin Johnson talks with Ella about her early start in sculpture, the impact of dyslexia and ADHD on her creative thinking, and her discovery of a fast and intuitive way of working with wood. Ella explains the emotional experience of carving fallen trees for clients, the practical challenges of working with different timbers and the therapeutic presence she feels when cutting. She also explores the flaws of traditional education, the value of hands-on learning, the influence of play, and the importance of making without the pressure to display or impress. This is a grounded and honest conversation that celebrates the maker mindset and the spirit of curiosity that drives creative work. Key Topics Covered Ella’s journey into sculpture and chainsaw carving The impact of dyslexia and ADHD on creative problem solving Limitations of traditional art education and the value of practical learning The importance of play in early creativity Mindfulness through physical craft and focused making Working with different types of wood and the challenges each one presents How personal stories and environments shape commissioned pieces The emotional role of tree carving and honouring fallen trees Social media use for creative community building Building confidence in handmade work without public pressure Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Ella and her unique creative path 00:52 Discovering chainsaw carving during her sculpture degree 04:30 Finding confidence through fast and instinctive making 05:47 The uncertainty of a career in fine art 09:19 Ella leaves school at 14 and discovers hands on learning 13:02 Discussion on the flaws in the education system 18:26 Creativity, play and permission to fail 20:51 The joy and discovery that happens through making 21:10 How the tree itself shapes the final sculpture 23:19 The emotional process of carving fallen trees 25:48 How Ella designs commissions that reflect people and place 26:24 The influence of neurodiversity on her creative life 33:34 The sensory link between materials and creativity 36:50 The importance of making without public pressure 40:20 Mindfulness and presence in chainsaw carving 43:37 The role of surfing and making in mental clarity 48:51 Working with different types of wood 52:18 Respect for ancient trees and the emotional impact of loss 55:38 Public commissions and where to see Ella’s work 57:22 Social media and creative

    1 h y 2 min
  8. 25/12/2025

    Building Looking Glass Lodge: From Woodland Vision to Sustainable Retreat in Fairlight

    In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Lindsey and Rik Goodman about designing building and running Looking Glass Lodge in Fairlight East Sussex. The conversation follows their journey from an early idea of a small shepherd style retreat to delivering a striking glass fronted woodland lodge with near full occupancy. Lindsey and Rik explain the influence of family history and woodland stewardship on the design, the planning challenges of building in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the financial pressure created by specialist glass requirements and rising material costs during Covid. They discuss sourcing locally, designing for calm rather than activity, switching from build mode to marketing overnight, and learning what guests actually value. This episode gives a clear view of the emotional financial and practical reality of building a high end retreat in the UK countryside. Key Topics Covered Creating a woodland lodge in Fairlight East SussexFamily history land stewardship and local contextMoving from shepherd hut idea to full lodge buildPlanning permission in protected landscapesSustainable building choices and ground screw foundationsSpecialist glass and wildlife light controlBudget pressure and borrowing decisionsImpact of Covid on building materials and timelinesHands on building and project managementInterior design biophilic principles and tactilitySwitching from construction to marketingGuest experience calm privacy and doing nothingLocal suppliers community support and repeat guestsFinancial viability occupancy rates and long term value Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Introducing Looking Glass Lodge and its...

    46 min

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

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