Will made these beech tap handles to help Good Things Brewing Co achieve a plastic-free identity
A Lancashire woodturner’s commitment to environmentally-sustainable business practices has been endorsed by a feature on prime-time TV when Jamie Oliver visited one of his customers.
William Firth only took the plunge to set up his own woodworking studio from his home village of Scorton, near Lancaster, in late 2016. Now his beautiful, high quality original pieces are being backed by some high profile supporters.
He was surprised and delighted to see one of his customers, Brighton-based Good Things Brewing Co, featured in the current series of Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast. Chef Jamie Oliver praised its drive to be the ‘world’s first self-sustaining brewery’ by recycling its used grain into top grade flour.
Will Firth © Nick Dagger Photography
The programme celebrated the brewery’s central message of using sustainable materials to create a distinctive, environmentally-friendly, and plastic-free identity. Seeking out William’s expertise, it found his natural materials and designs were a perfect fit for its taproom.
William says: “Such high profile recognition for Good Things Brewing is thoroughly well deserved, they embody high quality and eco-friendly integrity. Working together, we created hand painted and etched European beech tap handles for their Pale Ale and IPA. It was great to work with such a forward thinking brewery that shares my vision on environmental commitment and sustainability.”
Fascinated by woodworking from a young age, William ultimately followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Eric Firth, an award-winning woodturner. Hi company, William Firth Woodcraft, sources sustainable and striking wood such as European oak, American black walnut, purpleheart and zebrawood. His designs soon garnered word of mouth recommendations and endorsements, and he was stunned when a store in Paris requested to stock his creations.
Now his entirely handmade wood products are in high demand for business and home use alike. Commissions flying off William’s lathe include bespoke pump clips and tap handles, as well as personalised beer crates, bowls, bread, chopping and serving boards, candleholders, spoons and even 100% wooden knives. William loves talking to people about his passion at craft fairs, and a great boost for the young business was being invited to join the Not on the High Street website.
William adds: “2018 saw us expanding our work with breweries and the hospitality trade, bringing new opportunities to create personalised products, imprints and branding. Whether it’s a wooden cake knife, signage, or a set of furniture, marrying functionality with beauty for our customers is what makes every new step for the business truly exciting.”
07710 263435
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www.williamfirthwoodcraft.co.uk
