Christopher Hall, The Gentleman Joiner, is a Master Carpenter with over 40 years' experience specialising in designing and making bespoke handmade furniture and fine joinery for the discerning residential market, and with this experience he also provides a product evaluation consultancy service to the hand and power tool industry in the development of new tools and products.

Classically trained in the craft of cabinet making and joinery he is renowned for his uncompromising traditional craftsmanship and eye for detail, rarely found in today's 'instant' society. It is, indeed, a pleasure to see perfectly constructed and fitting joinery, which not only further enhances the appearance of the finished piece but also confirms its integrity.

Every commission starts with an idea, which then needs to be translated into a well designed and thought out artefact, so Christopher's expert understanding of wood and finishes means he is able to give sound professional advice to an idea. It is vital to use the correct species of timber for a given piece of furniture, especially when the piece will be in a centrally heated environment or exposed to the natural elements of the weather.

There are occasions when a treasured family heirloom or loose joints on a chair or table need repairing or repolishing with the same exacting care as making something new, but still maintaining the patina of age. Dining chairs often suffer with loose joints and should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid more serious and costly repairs in the future.

All commissions and repairs undertaken are carried out in a clean well equipped modern workshop at The Woodhall Institute of Craftsmanship near Guildford in Surrey, where visits by appointment to discuss a given proposal are most welcome.