Why Commission a Bespoke Box?
If you have looked elsewhere and not found a handmade box to fit your needs. Or, if you’ve been inspired by my style and body of work. Then consider commissioning a handmade bespoke box.
Commissioning a fine handmade box is an exciting and fulfilling experience. You can own a beautiful and unique object, designed and made to your precise requirements – to our exacting standards.
What Kind of Box Do You Want?
You probably have an idea of the sort of box you want – its purpose at the very least. Maybe its a large watch box for your increasing collection. Possibly a valet box or jewellery box for that special person. Alternatively, it could be a special gift to celebrate a retirement or graduation.
You may have a preference for the type wood or colour. Additionally, there may be details or a motif you want incorporated in the box. We will personalise your box the way you want it.
How Much Will It Cost Me?
To commission a unique box, designed and created to your precise requirements will be more costly than a mass produced box, of inferior quality. The complexity of the chosen design, the quality and cost of materials and work involved will affect the price. However, I can work with you to shape your requirements to your budget.
The Initial Consultation
An initial consultation can take place over the telephone or through email correspondence.
We will discuss and identify your precise requirements – the purpose of the box, dimensions, specific features, wood species, preferred finishes, hardware etc. For more complicated commissions, it may be necessary to communicate at length through email as well.
The Design
Your preferences and requirements will help me to develop the design for you. It will evolve through discussions and drawings, allowing us to clarify or change requirements as necessary. The design may go through a number of iterations before we reach the design you are happy with. An estimate of likely costs and timescales will also be provided.
The Written Proposal
Once the final design, price and timescales have been agreed I will confirm in writing through an email. This will include approximate dimensions, materials, final price, expected start and delivery dates and any other previously discussed costs.
An accepted final design proposal allows me to schedule the work.
Scheduling the Box
Normally a deposit of 50% of the full price is required before I will book a slot in my work schedule. This allows me to make firm commitments to you and other clients who may be waiting for their commissioned boxes to begin.
The remaining balance is expected just prior to delivery. Fine handmade boxes exceeding £2000 may require staged payments, but this will be discussed.
Selecting Materials
Work then commences with the selection of materials to complement the design. These might include hardwood timbers, hardwood veneers or combinations of both.
Some hardwoods and veneers are kept in stock. Other woods can be sourced and may need to be seasoned before use. This may impact the time taken to complete the commission, again this will have been discussed.
Making the Handmade Box
Using the design to create layout drawings and cutting lists, we cut and dimension the components. Then, joint and assemble the parts with the grain flowing around the box.
We make the contents, such as smaller boxes, trays and drawers to fit. After, we line the handmade box with an exquisite fabric or a contrasting timber as required.
We also apply any external decoration, such as marquetry. to the box.
Finally, the box is finished with a durable polish.
Post Commission
I am sure you will be completely happy with your new box and the commissioning process as a whole. Your fine handmade box should give you a lifetime of pleasure. I will also advise you on how to best maintain your box for the future, including likely issues with wood movement and the most appropriate polish.
Should you have any concerns at all then I will always be available to discuss them. Your satisfaction and of course your business is very important to me.