George knew that he wanted to work with wood from a very young age. “When I was five or six, I used to follow my dad around the house when he was doing building work, helping him out and making simple wooden toys,” says George. “As I got older, I made go-carts, skate ramps, dens and things like that. I would always be outside making something out of the driftwood I found on the beach at East Wittering, where I live.”
George started training when he was 16, and making furniture at Chichester College when he was 17. He is now 21. “I found the combination of studying at Chichester College and working in the industry at the same time [at Cimitree, where George still works], invaluable. You have the time at college to push the boundaries, experiment and try out new techniques, then the time at work to learn how to make efficiently, to the exceptionally high industry standards.”
Since its inception in 2006, Cimitree has taken on three apprentices from Chichester College, two of whom now work for the company full-time. The company is currently looking for a new apprentice.
All of George’s work for Cimitree is made to commission, working with private clients, architects and interior designers to design and make original, bespoke furniture, kitchens and interiors, including dressing rooms and studies. He does have his favourite pieces: “My favourite was a waisted cylindrical drinks cabinet made out of ripple olive ash and burr olive ash.”
Cimitree Furniture Ltd, The Old Piggery, Church Farm, South Harting, GU31 5QG
01730 826809; www.cimitree.co.uk
