Chris Amey
Team Leader
Joined Carpenter Oak: 2012
Interview with Chris Amey
What is your favourite timber frame joint?
A sliding tapered dovetail.
What music are you currently listening to in the workshop?
I actually listen to a lot of Radio 3 with my radio ear defenders. I have to on my own because hardly anyone else likes it. I’m a big fan of Bach, probably because I play some piano a bit and love a string quartet, so some Haydn or Mozart rocks!
What is the best project you have worked on and why?
I have worked on some really beautiful frames. In particular, the Church House Inn in Rattery for having two arch brace trusses. Also, Levens Hall in the Lake District for its angular and original design and Bryan for its beautiful trusses across an old barn from the Port Elliot estate in Cornwall
When not in the yard, what do you enjoy doing?
I play Badminton each week followed by beers with some friends. Otherwise I occasionally get to sail a friend’s boat and generally get to hang out on our gorgeous Devon beaches
What is the best comedy film ever made?
How can I pick between The Big Labowski and Withnail and I?
Biography
I started doing carpentry when I lived in London having previously studied Sonic Arts at university. Enrolling on an NVQ course at Hackney College, I fell in love with it the moment I started the course and it took me to quite a few different places. My first proper job was oak framing in Kent with a bit of restoration work alongside new-build, then I got a job on the Cutty Sark in London for two years during the recent conservation project (before and after the fire). After that I went self employed and mostly worked in Chamonix doing renovations for a family who run a chalet business. Being kinda homeless at the time, me and my then partner decided to head for the South Hams in Devon to run a B&B by the sea and make sculptures and furniture (she ran the B&B while I made the sculptures). This is when I approached Stuart for a job at Carpenter Oak looking for a more reliable income. Eventually he agreed and I started work having to re-learn quite a bit. Six years on, I really love my job, especially since becoming a Team Leader. It’s hugely enjoyable and rewarding. It’s so great to be doing a craft all-day, everyday and although I’m not the designing stuff I am making all day whilst having a fair bit of input into that process along the way.
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Private: Graham Butler
Carpenter
Joined Carpenter Oak: 2002
Interview with Graham
What is the best project you have worked on and why?
Frizealach House, near Glenuig – a thirteen week project which I led on a tricky peninsula jutting out to sea. Oak frame outside, Douglas fir inside, nice client, lots of interesting follow on-stuff, swimming at lunch.
When not in the yard, what do you enjoy doing?
Outdoorsy stuff – climbing, sea kayaking, open boat paddling trips especially. Family get-togethers, bonfires, camping, sleeping in extreme places, bivvying, van trips and playing with wood and metal.
If stranded on a desert island, which three people would you take and why?
My wife (cleaning/washing up etc – don’t quote me though) My old mate Pink – a cool dude in most situations Dolly Parton – for singalongs around the fire
Which three people would be in your dream carpentry team and why?
Ian McCloud, Jaime Ward, Sam Turley – interesting, travelled people with lots of framing skills
What is the most embarrassing job you have ever had?
Playing father Christmas at a local youth club
What music do you listen to?
I have a selection of middle of the road bands on my phone, but enjoy other people’s music collections – music can definitely instigate a mood.
What is the best comedy film ever made?
Waking Ned (British comedy usually has me in stitches)
What do you enjoy most about working with wood/oak?
The ease with which you can fashion something that could potentially still be around in a thousand years’ time.
Do you have a favourite quote?
‘You’ll only get a 500 year guarantee if it’s an oak frame’
Where is your favourite place in the world?
Home and Glenisla, then the Cuillin Hills, Skye
Biography
I’ve had 45 practical years in industry, starting life as an apprentice welder through maintaining a reactor plant, to access work on dams and high rise flats. Married, had two kids, remarried Jackie, opened a smithy for seven years. In 2002, in my mid-forties the opportunity to learn carpentry arose through Carpenter Oak – still learning all these years later. Never once looked back with regrets. I try to keep the electronic world as a periphery and have never lost interest in the seasons and the natural world.
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Jean-Baptiste Rouvelin
Senior Carpenter
Joined Carpenter Oak: 2004
Interview with Jean-Baptiste Rouvelin
What is the best project you have worked on and why?
Boyden for location and the challenge of the roof geometry
What do you enjoy doing when not in the yard?
Exploring Dartmoor, walking, woodwork and if I am injury free, a lot of running.
What is the most embarrassing job you have ever had?
I’ve always been a carpenter…..what does that tell you?
Do you have a favourite quote?
The show isn’t over until the fat lady sings
Where is your favourite place in the World?
Anywhere off road with some grippy running shoes
Biography
I trained as a carpenter in France as a Journeyman for five years, applied for a job in England and arrived at Carpenter Oak with a one year contract. Over a decade on, I’m still here. I love Devon and Dartmoor and wouldn’t go back to France for all the money in the world.
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