Lancaster & Tomkinson Limited

Lancaster & Tomkinson Limited Quietly exceptional. Three generations of British craftsmanship. Bespoke furniture to last lifetimes.

Lancaster & Tomkinson has maintained an unrivalled reputation in unique furniture making and restoration for 75 years, through traditional values, a rich heritage in craftsmanship and industrial technology and techniques which we hold to the very highest standard.

03/09/2026

Some of the best details are the ones you'll never see.

The magnets which hold the doors closed on this bespoke wardrobe are completely invisible, inserted before the veneer is put onto the wood.

But they will quietly do their job every day. Hidden and yet so important to the functionality of the piece.

That's often the point of truly bespoke furniture. It works exactly as it should, without you having to think about how.

01/09/2026

How do several pieces of veneer become one seamless surface?

By selecting the right pieces, bringing them together and pressing them onto the finished panel.

It sounds simple, but natural timber varies enormously. Grain, colour and figuring all need to work together so that, once finished, your eye sees the furniture rather than where one piece of veneer ends and another begins.

That's the difference between simply applying veneer and understanding how to work with it.

Some of the most important parts of a piece of furniture are the joints you'll never see.And they're not all made the sa...
28/08/2026

Some of the most important parts of a piece of furniture are the joints you'll never see.

And they're not all made the same way.

Different joints have different jobs to do. The way the furniture is constructed, the materials we're working with and the stresses that joint will take all influence how we make it.

Once everything is assembled and finished, much of this disappears from view.

But we know it's there and we know it will last. And that's what matters.

As well as creating bespoke furniture, we are also wood finishing specialists. A beautiful finish is about much more tha...
24/08/2026

As well as creating bespoke furniture, we are also wood finishing specialists.

A beautiful finish is about much more than choosing a colour.

It's about bringing out the very best in the furniture beneath it.

At Lancaster & Tomkinson, our wood finishing team works alongside the craftsmen who make our furniture every day. That means every piece is finished by people who understand the materials, the construction and the level of care that's gone into making it.

Whether it's a contemporary painted finish or something more traditional, our aim is always the same: a finish that looks beautiful today and continues to do so for years to come.

Discover more about our Wood Finishing Specialists:
https://lancaster-tomkinson.com/living/wood-finishing-specialists/

Did you know? The environment in which bespoke furniture is made can have a significant influence on its long-term perfo...
19/08/2026

Did you know? The environment in which bespoke furniture is made can have a significant influence on its long-term performance.

Timber is a natural material and responds to changes in temperature and humidity throughout its life. Understanding those conditions is simply part of making furniture that is built to last.

While the UK's climate is generally well suited to working with timber, periods of unusually hot, cold or humid weather can occasionally create conditions that deserve a little closer attention. During these times we use specialist hygrometers to monitor the relative humidity within our workshop, providing accurate data to support the experience and judgement of our craftsmen.

The same care extends to installation. If we have any concerns that a newly completed property may still contain excess moisture, we'll assess and measure the conditions before fitting our furniture to ensure the environment is suitable.

Most clients will never see these checks taking place, but they form part of the many small considerations behind every commission. Looking after the material throughout its journey helps ensure that each piece continues to perform and look its very best for years to come.

It's another example of the careful planning and attention to detail that underpin everything we make.


There are some pieces of furniture that become part of the family.Perhaps it's a dresser that's been passed down through...
17/08/2026

There are some pieces of furniture that become part of the family.

Perhaps it's a dresser that's been passed down through the generations. A dining table that's hosted countless celebrations. Or a bookcase that's travelled with you through every home you've owned.

If you could keep just one piece of furniture forever, what would it be, and why?

We'd love to hear the stories behind the furniture that's earned its place in your home.

When you walk into a beautiful period home, the best bespoke furniture never feels new.It simply feels right.Creating be...
12/08/2026

When you walk into a beautiful period home, the best bespoke furniture never feels new.

It simply feels right.

Creating bespoke cabinetry for an older property isn't about copying what's already there. It's about understanding the character of the house and designing furniture that looks as though it has always belonged.

Read more about how we renovate period homes, preserving their character and creating bespoke furniture that's designed to last for generations.

https://lancaster-tomkinson.com/bespoke-furniture-for-a-period-house-renovation/

Why choose a bespoke kitchen?Because no two homes, or families, are the same.A handmade kitchen is designed around your ...
10/08/2026

Why choose a bespoke kitchen?

Because no two homes, or families, are the same.

A handmade kitchen is designed around your space, your lifestyle and the way you use it every day. It makes the most of every corner, every cupboard and every detail, while creating something that's built to last for generations.

And for many homeowners, it's just the start. The same approach can be carried through the rest of the home with beautifully crafted fitted furniture and cabinetry.

We explain more in this article.
https://lancaster-tomkinson.com/the-advantages-of-handmade-bespoke-kitchens/

Who makes your furniture matters just as much as how it's made.When architects and designers choose a bespoke cabinetry ...
05/08/2026

Who makes your furniture matters just as much as how it's made.

When architects and designers choose a bespoke cabinetry partner, they're trusting more than craftsmanship. They're trusting the people behind it.

For us, that starts long before a project reaches the workshop floor. The way we recruit, train and develop our craftsmen has shaped the business for three generations.

Pete shares why he believes the right people are the foundation of every successful project.

Read the blog: https://lancaster-tomkinson.com/trustworthy-bespoke-furniture-maker

At Lancaster & Tomkinson, wood finishing sits alongside our bespoke furniture making, allowing us to deliver complete pr...
03/08/2026

At Lancaster & Tomkinson, wood finishing sits alongside our bespoke furniture making, allowing us to deliver complete projects or work with cabinet makers, designers and manufacturers who need a trusted finishing partner.

Whether it's a flawless painted finish, a subtle stain that celebrates the natural beauty of the timber, or something completely bespoke, every finish is carefully selected to complement the piece and the space it will live in.

From traditional hand-applied finishes to specialist spray finishes, it's all carried out in-house by the same team that believes quality comes from taking the time to do things properly.

Discover more about our Wood Finishing service at https://lancaster-tomkinson.com/living/wood-finishing-specialists

Address

Newcastle Under Lyme
ST56AZ

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 1pm

Telephone

+441782614156

Website

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