Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson
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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.

  1. 2D AGO

    From Woodturning to TEFAF New York: Ash and Plumb on Sculpture, Storytelling and Building a High End Craft Business

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Barnaby Ash and Dru Plumb of Plumb and Ash about their rise from garage woodturning to exhibiting at TEFAF New York. They discuss Greco Roman influences, sculptural wood vessels, working with green oak, embracing cracks and stitch work, targeting high end galleries, and building a profitable craft business through strategy, research and relentless refinement. Key Topics Covered • Woodturning and contemporary wood sculpture • Greco Roman classicism and design history influence • Storytelling in art and craft practice • Working with green oak, cracks and natural movement • Stitching wood vessels and visible mending techniques • Transition from craft fairs to international art fairs • Targeting high end galleries and collectors • Pricing strategy and value in the art market • Creative partnership and studio roles • Burnout, pressure and creative flow state • Building a sustainable craft business in the UK • Future plans including blacksmithing and workshop expansion 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 Plumb and Ash and their sculptural woodturning 01:06 Greco Roman influences and design research 03:17 Storytelling, symbolism and emotional impact in sculpture 08:46 Starting out with a second hand lathe and garage workshop 16:18 Moving from functional objects to sculptural vessels 17:48 Targeting high end galleries and strategic growth 22:24 Pressure, ambition and creative risk 25:01 Division of roles in a creative partnership 27:32 Working with green oak, cracks and stitched repairs 34:55 Complex sculptural handles and pushing technical limits 38:43 Milestones including Collect, museum acquisitions and TEFAF 51:13 Plans for a new woodland workshop 56:05 Burnout, deadlines and creative obsession 59:51 Making work that feels beyond your own ability 01:00:57 Advice to their eighteen year old selves

    1h 6m

  2. FEB 26

    Bespoke Kitchen Business Growth, CNC Cabinet Vision and Hand Painted Finishes with Brandon Collins

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Brandon Collins of Crabtree and Hargreeves about building a profitable bespoke kitchen and furniture business in the UK. Brandon shares how he transitioned from antique restoration with his father into high end bespoke kitchens, how he named his company for brand positioning and search clarity, and why hand painted finishes outperform spray finishes in durability and long term maintenance. He explains how investing in CNC machinery and Cabinet Vision software improved accuracy, efficiency and client communication, and he discusses pricing, managing growth, recruiting skilled cabinet makers and protecting craftsmanship in a technology driven world. This episode will resonate with furniture makers, joiners, kitchen designers, cabinet makers and small workshop owners who want practical insight into scaling a bespoke furniture business while maintaining quality and creative control. Key Topics Covered • Transition from antique restoration to bespoke kitchens • Brand naming strategy for cabinet makers and furniture businesses • Hand painted kitchen finishes versus spray finishes • CNC machines in small woodworking workshops • Using Cabinet Vision software for cabinetry design and production • Growth challenges in bespoke furniture businesses • Pricing, margins and workshop efficiency • Skills gap in cabinet making and joinery • Human judgement in bespoke craftsmanship • Client expectations in high end kitchen design 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 Brand Origin and Business Evolution 03:25 Transition from Antiques to Bespoke Furniture 06:26 Challenges and Opportunities in the Furniture Industry 15:27 Hand-Painted Finishes and Quality Control 24:32 Technological Advancements and Efficiency 55:24 The Role of Technology in Bridging Skills Gaps 55:47 The Importance of Creativity and Craftsmanship 56:05 The Future of the Furniture Industry 56:26 Advice for Aspiring Furniture Makers 01:00:21 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    1h 2m

  3. FEB 19

    How to Scale a Bespoke Joinery Business Without Losing Craft, Profit or Your Sanity

    Robin Johnson speaks with Louis Rhoades of Louis Rhoades Studio about scaling a bespoke joinery business from a one man workshop to a structured, design led studio. They break down pricing to the penny, profitability between two and four staff, why growth from four to ten is brutal, and how value beats cost when you invest in CNC, spray finishing and FUGA Hydro substrates. This episode tackles hospitality versus residential work, outsourcing risk, honest client communication, proportion in design, and the stress that comes with ambition. A direct conversation between two workshop owners on craftsmanship, margins, ethics and long term thinking in British furniture making. Key Topics Covered Scaling from solo maker to small teamProfitability at two to four staff versus four to tenDay rate calculation using fixed and variable overheadsHospitality niche versus high end residential pricingValue versus cost in bespoke joineryCNC machining, solid edge banding and spray booth investmentHydro Fuga MDF and veneered constructionDesign first process and shop drawingsOutsourcing risk and quality controlProportion, symmetry and timeless furniture designStress, cash flow fear and business resilience 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 Scaling from one man workshop to small team 04:25 Why employing friends rarely works 08:09 Hospitality versus residential pricing realities 11:07 Value proposition and stepping away from tenders 24:58 Outsourcing failures and bringing processes in house 30:12 Investing in CNC and spray finishing for output and control 33:57 Calculating day rates and defining real value 45:15 Design ethics, legacy and avoiding disposable furniture 01:01:12 Hydro Fuga, veneering and modern wardrobe design 01:17:42 Craft standards, minor defects and client honesty 01:21:37 Advice to a younger self on stress and growth

    1h 30m

  4. FEB 12

    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

  5. FEB 5

    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 craftsmen 1:08:27 Failure as fuel for new ideas 1:10:19 Why physical galleries still matter

    1h 18m

  6. JAN 29

    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

    1h 21m

  7. JAN 22

    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 forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Ichi-Coo Park and its origins 02:26 The heart shaped island story 05:19 Working with skilled craftspeople 07:57 Value over cost in making 12:14 Building to protect sanity 17:25 Apprenticeships and skills gaps 27:03 Holistic learning and curiosity 38:48 AI as a working tool 51:36 AI and health diagnosis 56:19 Living with blood cancer 1:06:39 Skills across generations 1:23:18 Clip Fest 2026

    1h 28m

  8. JAN 15

    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 language 05:30 Sam’s design process and sketching 06:10 Diversifying skills to survive financially 08:40 Selling bespoke furniture and pricing reality 09:02 Heirloom quality and long term value 10:26 Family legacy and inherited furniture 10:55 Discipline from military life 13:08 Working with clients and trust 15:51 Saying no and choosing the right work 18:18 Timber choices and material preference 25:07 Pricing honesty and time value 27:00 Apprenticeships and traditional joinery skills 31:40 Continuous professional development 39:44 Four day working week 43:00 Identity and business ownership 45:38 Advice to younger makers 47:45 Where to find Sam’s work

    50 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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