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. 4d ago

    Crafted at PowderMills: Chris King on Reinventing the Country Hotel

    What does it take to turn a tired country hotel into a destination people genuinely want to return to? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Chris King, founder of Crafted, to explore the transformation of PowderMills in Battle, East Sussex. Set around a seven acre lake on the site of a former gunpowder mill, Crafted brings together boutique hospitality, bold interior design, British craftsmanship, wellness, food and community. Chris shares the thinking behind the hotel’s transformation, from trusting bold design decisions and commissioning local craftspeople to creating a lakeside sauna, cold water swimming area, padel courts, pottery workshops and spaces designed for social connection. They discuss the realities of building a new hospitality brand from scratch, supporting British makers, sourcing food locally, creating memorable guest experiences and making major investment decisions when there is no guarantee they will work. Chris also explains why Crafted is being built as a social catalyst. With remote work and changing lifestyles leaving many people increasingly isolated, the aim is to create opportunities for guests and members to meet, try new things and build genuine connections. It is a conversation about hospitality, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and what happens when every detail of a physical space is considered through the eyes of the person who will actually use it. Key Topics Covered ✦ Transforming PowderMills into Crafted ✦ Building a distinctive boutique hotel brand ✦ Bold interior design and taking creative risks ✦ Working with British craftspeople and local makers ✦ Reclaimed timber, handmade ceramics and bespoke furniture ✦ Sauna, cold water swimming and padel ✦ Designing hospitality around guest experience ✦ Local food, organic growing and sustainability ✦ Building community through shared experiences ✦ Social connection and social health ✦ Starting a hospitality brand from zero ✦ Reversible and irreversible business decisions Check out Chris King in LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckroaming/ Check out Crafted at PowderMills: https://www.staycrafted.com/ 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. Check out Yours For The Making in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUuzYPW_uJfM2B1XXRuZLUg Key Moments: 00:00 Introducing Chris King and Crafted 07:00 Why PowderMills was the right location 13:10 Bold interiors and trusting the designer 16:53 Bringing local craftsmanship into the hotel 20:00 Creating the lakeside sauna and swim experience 26:30 Can this hospitality model make money? 31:09 British craftsmanship competing on price 38:30 Designing a frictionless guest journey 43:34 Why Chris designs for himself 46:30 Taking risks and testing new ideas 50:37 Why padel is here to stay 58:27 Creating a social catalyst outside London 1:02:34 Why social health matters 1:05:30 Chris King’s advice to his younger self

  2. Aug 13

    Bespoke Joinery, Luxury Interiors and Cabinet Making: Robin Johnson Answers Your Questions

    What separates true bespoke joinery from furniture that has simply been made to measure? In this solo Q&A episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson answers the questions he receives most often about bespoke joinery, cabinet making, luxury interiors and running a successful joinery business. Robin explains how every detail is considered in bespoke projects, why traditional craftsmanship still matters alongside CNC technology, how materials are selected for luxury homes and hospitality projects, and what clients should look for when choosing a bespoke furniture maker. He also shares how Johnson Bespoke has grown from two people to a team of twenty while protecting traditional woodworking skills through apprentice training and craftsmanship. Key Topics Covered ✦ What bespoke joinery really means ✦ Bespoke joinery compared with made to measure furniture ✦ Traditional woodworking and CNC machining ✦ Luxury cabinet making ✦ Material selection for bespoke furniture ✦ Solid timber, veneers and premium finishes ✦ Luxury residential and hospitality interiors ✦ How to choose materials that last ✦ Pricing bespoke joinery honestly ✦ Managing client expectations ✦ Growing a joinery business ✦ Training apprentices in traditional woodworking 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 makes joinery truly bespoke 02:57 Traditional skills or modern machinery 06:30 Choosing materials for luxury projects 15:30 What luxury means in bespoke joinery 21:19 Solving complex design challenges 24:43 Honest pricing and client expectations 28:10 Growing a joinery business without losing craftsmanship 29:56 Training apprentices and protecting traditional skills

  3. Aug 5

    Theo Silkstone: From Oxford Patent Attorney to Furniture Designer

    How does someone leave a career as a patent attorney to become a furniture maker? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with furniture designer and maker Theo Silkstone to explore his unconventional journey from studying Material Science at Oxford to building sculptural furniture inspired by nature. Theo shares how renovating a cottage during lockdown changed the direction of his life, why a fallen oak tree became the catalyst for a new career and how traditional cabinet making at Rycotewood shaped his approach to craftsmanship. They discuss furniture design, woodworking, cabinet making, sculptural furniture, creative careers, sustainable timber, material science, AI in furniture design, marketing for makers and the realities of running a creative business. Key Topics Covered ✦ Theo's journey from Oxford to furniture making ✦ Leaving a career in patent law ✦ How a fallen oak tree changed everything ✦ Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood ✦ Designing sculptural furniture ✦ Functional art and furniture design ✦ Working with oak, ash, metal and Jesmonite ✦ Building bespoke hi fi cabinets ✦ Marketing for furniture makers ✦ Using AI during the design process ✦ Setting up a new workshop ✦ Building a creative community 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 From patent attorney to furniture maker 04:27 Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood 06:03 Designing sculptural furniture 10:21 Why marketing matters for makers 12:00 Working with oak, ash and Jesmonite 15:06 Material science meets woodworking 23:30 Why old furniture is a timber goldmine 31:33 Learning from other crafts 40:56 AI and the future of creative work 54:48 Building a new workshop 56:08 Advice to his younger self

  4. Jul 29

    Gareth Neal on Sculptural Furniture, Creative Risk and Building a Career in Craft

    Gareth Neal joins Robin Johnson to discuss his career as a furniture maker and designer, his approach to sculptural furniture and the realities of building a creative career around craft, art and design. Gareth shares how an influential teacher encouraged him to study furniture design and craftsmanship, how life in Hackney Wick shaped his work and how pieces including the Anne Table, George Chest of Drawers and Brodgar Chair helped establish his reputation internationally. The conversation explores art furniture, studio furniture, contemporary craft, traditional woodworking, furniture design, creative communities and the changing art market. Gareth explains why mistakes matter, how overlooked materials and processes can generate new ideas and why makers need opportunities, deadlines and pressure to push their work forward. He also reflects on exhibiting in Milan, selling work internationally, navigating gentrification, working with galleries and creating furniture that sits between practical design and collectible art. Gareth offers direct advice for young designers, craftspeople and artists on self belief, education, risk taking and saying yes when opportunity appears. Key Topics Covered Gareth Neal’s career in furniture design and craftsmanshipThe meaning of sculptural furniture and art furnitureThe relationship between art, craft and functional designStudying furniture design at High WycombeThe teacher who changed Gareth’s careerTraditional woodworking and contemporary furniture designThe influence of George Nakashima and Wendell CastleHow galleries shape the collectible design marketWorking with local materials and specialist craftspeopleHow mistakes generate new creative ideasWhy makers need deadlines and public opportunitiesCreative education and choosing the right courseSelf promotion for artists and craftspeopleWhy young creatives should take more risksThe BMW opportunity Gareth regrets turning down 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 Gareth Neal on rebuilding his home, workshop and creative career 06:33 What sculptural furniture means and where craft meets art 20:04 The teacher who pushed Gareth towards furniture design 28:30 The Milan exhibition that changed his career 30:47 Life inside Hackney Wick’s creative scene 38:29 The Brodgar Chair and its place in the V and A 51:25 Gareth’s people, process and place approach 54:57 Why deadlines force creative work to happen 56:24 How mistakes create better ideas 01:03:14 Advice for young makers and designers 01:05:00 The BMW opportunity Gareth regrets turning down

  5. Jul 22

    Jack Lury on Michelin Star Cooking, Fine Dining, Tasting Menus and Building Lury Restaurant in Hastings

    What does it take to build one of Britain's most exciting independent restaurants from scratch? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jack Lury, chef and owner of Lury Restaurant in Hastings, to explore the reality behind modern fine dining, Michelin ambitions, restaurant ownership and creative cooking. Jack shares his unconventional journey from studying history and sociology to working in Michelin starred kitchens, private chefing, Sotheby's and eventually opening his own intimate tasting menu restaurant with his wife Izzy. He explains why he rejected toxic kitchen culture, how Sri Lankan heritage influences his food, why simplicity creates better dishes and how running a ten seat restaurant allows complete creative freedom. They discuss restaurant design, seasonal cooking, zero waste kitchens, menu development, private dining, hospitality, craftsmanship, leadership, perfectionism and the constant pursuit of improvement. Jack also reveals why Lury Restaurant was never intended to last forever and why every creative project deserves a defined lifespan. Key Topics Covered Becoming a chef without attending culinary schoolLearning in Michelin starred kitchensEscaping toxic hospitality cultureWorking as a private chef in LondonCooking at Sotheby's with unlimited ingredient budgetsBuilding Lury Restaurant from scratchRunning a ten seat tasting menu restaurantSri Lankan influences in modern British cookingSeasonal menus and ingredient driven cookingFine dining without unnecessary formalityCreativity, simplicity and refining dishesZero waste restaurant operationsMichelin Guide ambitionsRestaurant design and creating an immersive dining experienceLeading young hospitality teams with respectWhy creative projects should have a lifespan 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 From history student to professional chef and the obsession that changed Jack's career forever 01:38 Starting at the bottom in a kitchen and why every chef must master the basics before earning responsibility 06:26 Writing to thirty Michelin starred restaurants with almost no experience and landing his first opportunity 08:38 Inside Michelin kitchens, toxic workplace culture and why Jack walked away from the career he thought he wanted 14:28 Private chef work, Sotheby's and cooking with extraordinary ingredients for some of London's wealthiest clients 18:09 Building relationships that create opportunities and why networking matters more than talent alone 20:22 The hidden reality of private chefing, expensive ingredients, demanding clients and creative limitations 22:47 Fine dining burnout, sixteen hour shifts and why so many chefs leave the industry 33:30 Moving to Hastings, taking a huge financial risk and opening Lury Restaurant with almost no money 39:12 Renovating an entire restaurant on a shoestring budget with family help, determination and countless late nights 44:03 Why independent restaurants have more soul than expensive luxury venues 50:39 Inside Lury Restaurant and how a tasting menu creates a completely different dining experience 55:07 Dietary requirements, zero waste cooking and why every booking has to be carefully planned 57:00 Creating relaxed fine dining without unnecessary formality or traditional restaurant rules 01:02:51 Building dishes around the seasons and changing the menu almost every week 01:04:34 The Sri Lankan bread course that became the restaurant's signature dish 01:06:00 Finding a unique creative voice and why the best dishes often contain fewer elements 01:08:42 Weekly self critique, constant refinement and chasing small improvements every service 01:10:28 Why Lury Restaurant was designed as a project with a defined lifespan 01:11:45 Chasing a Michelin star and what that recognition would truly mean 01:15:07 Every detail matters from handmade crockery to locally commissioned artwork and bespoke aprons 01:20:09 The advice Jack would give his younger self about confidence, self respect and leaving unhealthy workplaces 01:23:25 Where to find Lury Restaurant, book a table and join the newsletter for exclusive events

  6. Jul 15

    Furniture Restoration, Antique Conservation and Decorative Arts with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio

    What does it take to restore priceless antiques without erasing their history? Robin Johnson sits down with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio, one of Britain's leading restoration and decorative arts workshops. Rodrigo shares the story of a family business that has preserved historic furniture, architectural features and museum quality antiques for more than sixty years. From Buckingham Palace and the Albert Memorial to rare seventeenth century cabinets worth millions, this conversation explores antique furniture restoration, traditional craftsmanship, mirror eglomisé, gilding, bespoke furniture making and the patience required to conserve irreplaceable pieces. Rodrigo also explains why the best restoration is often invisible, how modern technology fits into a traditional workshop and why passing skills to the next generation matters more than ever. Key Topics Covered Antique furniture restoration and conservationMirror eglomisé and traditional gildingDecorative arts and bespoke furniture makingRestoring historic pieces for Buckingham PalacePreserving authenticity through careful restorationTraditional craftsmanship in a modern worldWorking with interior designers and private collectorsFamily business across three generationsBalancing heritage with modern technologyAdvice for young craftspeople entering the restoration trade 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 — Rodrigo Tizzano shares how Titian Studio began in 1963 and how three generations have built one of Britain's leading restoration workshops. 02:30 — Growing up surrounded by antiques, restoration and decorative arts before learning traditional techniques from master craftsmen. 05:20 — Why great restoration is almost invisible and why doing less often produces the best result. 09:00 — The challenge of pricing restoration work where every project reveals hidden problems and every antique demands a different approach. 10:30 — Expanding beyond restoration into bespoke furniture, mirror eglomisé and decorative finishes for luxury interiors. 12:00 — Collaborating with leading interior designers and creating one off furniture for prestigious projects including WOW!house. 15:00 — Traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve through experimentation, adapting historic techniques and lifelong learning. 17:30 — Passing a family business to the next generation while introducing digital systems, social media and modern ways of working. 24:30 — Why children should discover their own path before choosing to join a family business. 30:20 — Restoring one of the world's rarest seventeenth century cabinets and the responsibility of working on museum quality antiques. 35:00 — The ethical line between restoration, conservation and creating convincing reproductions. 38:00 — Robin shares a remarkable television restoration where only four original panels survived and the entire cabinet had to be rebuilt. 43:00 — Estimating restoration work, managing client expectations and building a sustainable specialist workshop. 45:00 — Why variety keeps creativity alive through restoration, bespoke furniture, decorative finishes and conservation projects. 48:00 — Rodrigo reveals how close he came to competing on Gladiators before an Achilles injury ended the opportunity. 52:20 — Advice for young makers about patience, persistence, choosing the right partner and building a lasting career in craftsmanship.

  7. Jul 8

    Titanium Bikes, British Frame Building and Custom Bicycle Design: Jim Walker on Enigma Bicycle Works

    What makes a titanium bicycle so special, and why are so few still built in Britain? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jim Walker, founder of Enigma Bicycle Works, to explore the craft, engineering and business of building world class titanium bicycle frames. Jim shares the story behind Enigma's mission to preserve British bicycle manufacturing, the challenges of welding titanium, and why custom bike fitting remains at the heart of their process. The conversation covers the evolution of the cycling industry, the rise of Far Eastern manufacturing, the growing complexity of modern bike technology, and the realities of running a premium British made brand. Jim explains how Enigma creates bespoke titanium road bikes, gravel bikes and custom bicycle frames tailored to each rider, while maintaining the quality, craftsmanship and customer service that have earned them a loyal following around the world. For cyclists, frame builders, makers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in British manufacturing, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of the UK's most respected bicycle brands. Key Topics Covered Building titanium bicycle frames in BritainThe challenges of welding titaniumCustom bike fitting and bespoke frame designBritish bicycle manufacturing past and presentThe decline of UK bike productionWhy titanium offers a unique ride qualityGravel bikes, road bikes and all road bikesThe rise of electronic shifting and integrated cockpitsCycling industry trends and built in obsolescenceSurviving the post Covid cycling marketPremium products versus price driven competitionRepairing titanium bike framesThe future of British made bicycles 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 — Why titanium remains one of the most challenging materials in bicycle manufacturing 00:53 — The science behind titanium welding and creating flawless frame joints 02:48 — What makes a titanium bike feel different on the road 05:29 — Built in obsolescence and the growing complexity of modern bicycles 11:28 — Integrated cockpits, hidden cables and the maintenance debate 14:40 — The collapse of British bicycle manufacturing and why Enigma was founded 16:13 — From millions of UK made bikes to just twenty thousand per year 18:34 — The explosion of titanium bike brands and the challenge of standing out 22:44 — How Enigma designs bespoke bicycles around each rider 23:47 — Why titanium became Enigma's defining material 26:14 — Building world class frames in Sussex with a small specialist team 28:13 — Tailoring ride quality through tube selection and frame geometry 29:16 — Electric bikes, the Scarpa system and the future of assisted cycling 34:59 — Covid, the cycling boom and surviving the industry's toughest years 43:50 — Why Enigma focuses on premium quality rather than competing on price 46:43 — The value of British craftsmanship in a global manufacturing market 50:35 — Frame repairs, after sales service and long term customer relationships 52:12 — The challenge of marketing British manufacturing in a crowded market 55:30 — Jim's dream titanium bike build and the perfect all road setup 59:03 — Advice for young people considering a career in the cycling industry

  8. Jul 1

    From Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in Craft

    How does a sculptor build a successful career in luxury interiors, collectible design and contemporary craft? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with sculptor Tom Palmer to explore his journey from a childhood spent making things on a Sussex farm to creating acclaimed alabaster sculptures and bespoke pieces for interior designers, galleries and private clients around the world. Tom shares the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crash, his transition from bespoke chandeliers to sculpture, and why material experimentation remains central to his creative process. The conversation explores collectible design, luxury interiors, craftsmanship, storytelling, gallery representation, creative careers and the importance of relationships in the design world. Tom also reflects on social media, comparison culture, and why the creative industry offers more opportunities than many people realise. Key Topics Covered Tom Palmer's journey into sculpture and designGrowing up making things on a Sussex estateLearning through experimentation and materialsThe rise and fall of the bespoke chandelier businessSurviving the 2008 financial crashRestoring antiques and developing specialist skillsWhy alabaster became his signature materialCollectible design and the luxury interiors marketWorking with galleries and interior designersThe role of storytelling in creative businessesDesign trends, craftsmanship and originalitySocial media and comparison in creative careersAdvice for emerging artists, designers and makers 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 a sculptor actually does in luxury interiors and collectible design 05:18 Growing up making things on a Sussex farm and learning through experimentation 10:58 Why Tom rejected traditional art school and chose his own creative path 12:30 Building bespoke chandeliers and landing major hotel and commercial projects 15:00 How the 2008 financial crash wiped out an entire business overnight 16:27 The shared artist studio that became Tom's real education in design and business 20:13 Restoring antiques, reverse engineering craftsmanship and learning forgotten techniques 24:03 Leaving client work behind and creating original designs under his own name 25:17 Selling work internationally and reaching luxury interior designers through FirstDibs 28:02 Collectible design explained and why the industry is changing rapidly 34:16 Why storytelling, relationships and reputation matter more than technical skill 36:26 The hidden barriers to entering the design and interiors industry 38:32 Working with interior designers and building long term creative partnerships 41:15 Creating luxury pieces for private clients that can never be shown publicly 43:51 The projects Tom is most proud of and the challenge of staying creatively fulfilled 45:07 Why alabaster became his signature material and the appeal of carving stone 46:50 Training in Italy, learning marble carving and finding his own artistic voice 48:17 Finding inspiration in Gothic architecture, medieval design and historic craftsmanship 50:53 Escaping trends, avoiding the algorithm and developing original creative ideas 52:02 Design trends, minimalism, ornament and whether craftsmanship will make a comeback 55:22 Why the best makers push beyond trends instead of copying what already works 58:11 Bronze furniture, luxury design trends and what wealthy clients actually buy 01:00:00 Why galleries, storytelling and personal reputation drive success in creative industries 01:01:21 Advice for young artists, designers and makers navigating social media and comparison 01:03:04 The opportunity hidden inside the creative industries and finding your own path forward

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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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