Ashton Bespoke – British bespoke furniture maker launches – Graham’s story
We are pleased and proud to launch Ashton Bespoke. The new name in luxury interiors but with a heritage that is steeped in three decades of craftsmanship and experience.
Graham Goodall the managing director started his adventure within the industry as an apprentice carpenter and joiner. On completing this he took a year out to go travelling and spent time in the Algarve Portugal. Back in the UK, he felt drawn to return to the Algarve with just his hand tools, not knowing what the future would hold. However before long he saw a niche in the marketplace for high quality architectural joinery, Graham’s growing reputation for fine workmanship resulted in an increasing demand for his purpose built furniture, leading to his transition to a bespoke furniture maker and rebranding as Goodall Fine Furniture.
In 2010 Graham decided to close his company and end his nineteen year relationship with Portugal and returned to England. He began employment with Stephen Clasper Interiors in Surrey and found himself back in the niche market of supplying bespoke furniture for the high end residential market. Graham worked closely with Stephen over the years helping to create and manufacture unique furniture designed by Stephen. In 2015 the company’s work received recognition, winning Design et al, IDA awards for best interiors, UK properties awards and SBID awards for best kitchen. In 2016, Graham left Stephen Clasper Interiors in order to relocate to Bournemouth, Dorset, with his partner Lisa. There he worked within a couple of companies in the luxury furniture industry whose customer base was also primarily with in the high end residential market, around the home counties and London.
New beginnings in Hampshire
At the end of 2018 Graham found the opportunity to acquire the assets of a furniture business just outside Petersfield in Hampshire. After a year of sailing under the umbrella of the old company’s name, it became apparent that the company required a new identity. Graham wanted to bring his experience and distinctiveness; take a fresh approach and rename the business. Ashton Bespoke was born, a name that Graham felt encapsulated his vision of the business going forward.
The Ashton difference
What we do here is interpret your design and ensure this is fulfilled whilst considering the client’s budget. We work in a way that stays true to your design and doesn’t compromise either the finish or the budget. This is an ‘innate’ skill at Ashton something we’ve mastered with time, experience and knowledge; born from the passion and desire to deliver above and beyond for our customer. We have learnt to use various materials and finishes that may not be readily associated with furniture making. We’ve developed an understanding of the way those materials inherently work differently to each other but in turn complement one another.
Graham says “I have been in the industry of creating and delivering exceptional furniture for luxury interiors within the high-end residential market for some 30 plus years. I am a very passionate individual who cares about the end result and takes great pride in my work; nothing less than extraordinary will do. My aim has always been to work closely with the interior designer, architect and developers as well as the end client, to realise their vision. Supported by the skilled team at Ashton I’m able to deliver and exceed expectations.”
Business beyond Covid 19
The past year has had its ups and downs particularly recently with the pandemic crisis. We are confident however that we can operate safely and continue to service our clients. The team at Ashton Bespoke are keen to move forward and are excited for what the future brings and where we will take the business over the next year.