I’m David Tragen — a furniture designer-maker, artist, and woodworking teacher with over 25 years of experience in the craft.
My journey into fine furniture making began unexpectedly, when I was working as an English teacher in Barcelona. In my spare time, I started rescuing and upcycling disused furniture from the streets — fascinated by the beauty and potential of well-crafted wood. That passion quickly became a vocation. I immersed myself in traditional woodworking techniques, taking courses in woodcarving, marquetry, design, and drawing to build on my self-taught skills.
After two years of full-time furniture making in Spain, I returned to the UK to complete a year-long course in fine furniture making. I was then selected to work as a cabinet maker for the renowned Silver Lining Furniture, crafting bespoke pieces for some of the world’s most discerning clients.
In 2004, I established my own practice as a furniture designer-maker, combining traditional techniques with a strong design aesthetic. Alongside private commissions, I exhibited as an artist and sculptor, continually exploring the creative boundaries of wood as a medium.
Teaching has always been a natural extension of my craft. I spent three years as a woodworking teacher with Start in Salford, helping others discover the transformative power of working with their hands. Since 2014, I have run my own woodworking courses and fine furniture making classes in Cheshire, teaching from my peaceful, fully equipped rural workshop near Manchester.
I believe that fine craftsmanship is about more than skill — it’s about mindset, patience, and the joy of creating something enduring. My courses are designed to inspire and challenge, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced maker. You’ll learn not only traditional woodworking techniques but also principles of design, precision, and creative problem-solving — all under expert guidance.
Above all, I’m passionate about helping others experience the satisfaction of transforming raw timber into beautiful, meaningful furniture.
Below is a selection of some of the bespoke furniture pieces I have made for clients since 1997 as well as open edition designs . More recent sculptural work in bronze and resin can be found here on my website as a designer-maker and artist.
Clicking the image below will take you to some instructional videos as well as videos of my own work. They are a little old with a more youthful version of myself! I will be posting some new instructional videos soon so please keep an eye on my channel.
Cheshire Furniture Courses — Fine Furniture Making & Woodworking Tuition Workshop in Ashley, Cheshire — near Manchester
Email Phone: 0161 928 5647 (workshop) 07969 115946
Offering premium woodworking courses and fine furniture making classes in Cheshire. Small class sizes and expert tuition from a master craftsman with 25 years of experience. Serving students from Manchester, Cheshire, and across the North West.
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