A FURNITURE maker is launching workshops to pass on his traditional skills to others.

Anthony Corns will begin the sessions next month at his new premises in Steeton, which double up as a showroom and workshop.

He has recently moved to the High Street building after outgrowing his former base in Silsden.

"In the old shop, furniture was stacked up against the walls but now it can be seen in its full glory!" said Mr Corns.

His love of furniture dates back more than two decades and he began his business from a garden shed.

"Many of my customers have been with me right from the beginning," he added.

"I build and upholster bespoke furniture. Each piece is unique.

"I spend time with my clients in their homes so that I really appreciate what they need. Once I understand the picture they have in mind, I will bring this to life.

"My work is rooted in traditional, furniture-making techniques, but I often weave in modern materials and methods, too, particularly where this will give a better result or greater longevity."

Mr Corn's background is in photography, but he says there are several parallels between the two.

"I fell in love with furniture when I started photographing it," he said.

"I discovered that the same eye I used for photography – an ability to see what nobody else can see – could be applied to furniture making. You don't just upholster with your hands, but also with your eyes.

"I have found that just as you tell a story with photography, furniture also has its own stories. Each time I strip down and rebuild a piece of antique furniture, it's like finding all these secrets, which have been hidden over the years.

"You're just part of the ongoing story. You bring it back to life and pass it on to the next generation."

Mr Corns is holding a workshop on August 20 and 21 and will then stage them on the first weekend of every month from September.

Participants will learn how to bring vintage furniture to life.

"I have always loved sharing my knowledge and customers often come in whilst I'm working and show a great deal of interest in the techniques and materials I use," Mr Corn added.

"Holding my own workshops is a natural progression, now that I've got the space to do it.

"I have deliberately kept numbers low for each workshop, so that my students can benefit from personal tuition.

"It's incredibly satisfying to bring a new lease of life to furniture."

Visit anthonycorns.com for more details.

Mr Corn's new premises, Handmade, are being officially opened at 2pm on Saturday.