Old English Furniture & Cabinet Co.
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Our Business Philosophy


The Old English Academy of Fine Woodworking

 

Enthusiastically provides the best curriculum, facilities, and knowledgeable instructors.  We are dedicated to providing the student with a clear, concise, & understandable curriculum that can be put to immediate use.

 

We maintain a 4 to 1 ratio of student to teachers so that not only can attention be given to each and every student but also a substantial level of mentoring.  This mentoring continues on beyond the original instruction.  

 

See our student recommendations, we love to teach and it shows!

 

Our Company

The Old English Academy of Fine Woodworking

Established in 1993.  Its existence is due in large part to the request of the OEFCC clients to know how to do you build bespoke cabinets & furniture. 

 

The establishment of OEAFW goes beyond this.  Many years ago while living overseas I was very fortunate to make the acquaints of a wonderful old gentlemen who unbeknownst to me was a retired cabinetmaker.  At the time I needed a part time job and the old gentlemen explained that although retired he still took on commissioned work, and that if I was interested he could provide me with some additional income. 

 

Little did I know on that day I had apprenticed myself to 5th generation Master Cabinetmaker, not only was my friend a fantastic craftsman but a quintessential teacher. 

 

On more than one occasion when I had a question my old friend Jim would set down his tools and patiently answer my questions.  At the end of the lesson he would ask “did I understand” and then he would say “pass it on”

 

So The Old English Academy of Fine Woodworking is the continuance of the knowledge that was passed on to me from my old friend.

 
 
 
 
The Old English Furniture & Cabinet Co

Lovingly produces classic mid eighteenth century furniture & finely detailed cabinetry for the discerning customer.  OEFCC has at its foundation an 82% repeat client base.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Old English Furniture & Cabinet Co

Established in 1973.  Its existence is due to the fact that the old world art of furniture & cabinetmaking making was waning & becoming a lost art in this country.

 

There was a market for a company that could provide affordable furniture & cabinetry of an heirloom quality to the public.

Master Cabinetmaker:

Michael J. Gray

Apprentice to James Oakshott / Master Cabinetmaker London, England 1962

Journeyman to Carl Haggstrom / Master Cabinetmaker Gothenburg, Sweden 1966

Journeyman to Wolfgard Holtz / Master Cabinetmaker, Leverkusen, Germany 1971

Master of Old English Furniture & Cabinet Co Selmer, US 1973

Recommendation of Contemporaries & Students

“He’s studied all over the world. He has old world skills and modern day skills and combines the two effectively.”

Cecil Cravens Jackson Woodworkers’ Training Institute Jackson, TN

 

“An Old School Master Craftsman”

Floyd Carter The Wood Workshop Inc- Bartlett, TN

 

“Not since the late Jim Kingshott has there been such an instructor.   His command of the

subject & years of experience in the workshop & the classroom are invaluable”

John Bernard - East Sussex, England

 

“This is the next best thing to an apprenticeship with an Old World Master.  You will

learn exactly how to do the work, all the techniques, secrets, and method to do the job

right.”

Robert Johnson - Tacoma, Washington

 

“His conversation style of teaching along with a fantastic since of humor makes the

learning experience a joy”

Kerry & Margaret Gunderson Indianapolis, IN

 


“Mike explains the tools, techniques & traditions of woodworking in a friendly open

manner.  He freely passes along the skills, insights & secrets that were handed down to

him from decades of work at the bench.”

Montague. Williams- Montreal Quebec

 

“ I can’t wait to take your next class”

Edward Priestly Lewiston, Montana

 

“A great teacher”

David Golf – Memphis, TN

 

P.O. Box 772 Selmer, TN 38375
Phone:  731.645.6512  Fax: 800.266.3840

 

 

 

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