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School Founder

Emma Leslie

Emma is the founder and lead tutor at the New School of Furniture Making, where she combines her love of hand tools, traditional techniques, and careful craftsmanship to create a welcoming and inspiring learning environment. Alongside running the school, Emma maintains her own design and making practice, you can see her work at emmaleslie.co.uk.

Emma studied Fine Woodwork at the Building Crafts College, and her work has been celebrated for its precision, attention to detail, and respect for natural materials.

Awards

The Carpenters Craft Award
Recognising excellence in craftsmanship and dedication to the highest standards.
Medal of Excellence form the City and Guilds. 
Recognising outstanding skill, precision, and achievement in craftsmanship.
The Carpenters Company Prize
Celebrating outstanding design, craftsmanship, and innovation in wood.
People's Choice Award at the Wood Awards
Voted by the public, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and excellence in wood.
“Making furniture by hand is as much about slowing down and paying attention as it is about the final piece.”  Emma Leslie
Wooden wardrobe with four doors and black handles.
Before training as a furniture maker, Emma studied fine art and filmmaking, a background that continues to influence her design approach and teaching style. She previously taught furniture making at the Building Crafts College and London Metropolitan University, and has run workshops at The Design Museum and the Institute of Making.

Specialist Tutors

Alex Boyd

Alex studied Fine Woodwork at the Building Crafts College, London. He has worked alongside Emma and other prominent practitioners as a designer maker and is a fountain of furniture making knowledge.

Daniele Barco

After studying industrial design, Daniele co-created a design collective focusing on bespoke furniture design, making, and teaching workshops. He was the lead designer-maker for Goldfinger Studio before setting up his own practice. Daniele has a deep appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship and seeks to champion traditional woodworking techniques.

Our Teaching Philosophy

At the New School, our approach to teaching grows from the philosophy established by founder Emma Leslie, who believes in learning by doing.

Each course is hands-on, project-based, and designed to build confidence, accuracy, and a deep understanding of craftsmanship. With a strong emphasis on traditional methods, students leave not only with finished pieces but with lasting skills and a renewed appreciation for the handmade.

Every tutor shares a love of craft and a belief that furniture making is as much about confidence and curiosity as it is about precision. Whether you’re joining us for a weekend workshop or a longer course, you’ll be encouraged to explore, ask questions, and find your own way of working with wood.

“I want students to leave not just with a finished project, but with the confidence to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process.” Emma Leslie