Petter’s designs have a distinctive Scandinavian confidence. He works in unique, beautiful pieces of oak, ash, elm, cherry and other hardwoods, often using wood sourced from the area local to his customers. He specialises in steam-bending thick solid boards into the arches, twists, curves and rings that are so striking in his designs. His work is built to last, using immaculate craftsmanship and attention to detail. Through-joinery creates the decorative effect in most of his designs. Petter is conscious of the significance of the provenance of his wood, and has always made sure he uses ethically and sustainably sourced timbers native to Northern Europe, often extraordinary ancient trees that store character as well as carbon and need to be treated with respect. Aware also of the health-giving qualities of natural materials, Petter works hard to avoid emissions by using as little glue as possible and no MDF. He works mostly in solid timber, cutting his own veneers where necessary. His work can be polished with natural oils and waxes but he also offers a tactile ‘washed’ surface with nothing added to it at all. This tactile finish can be washed with soap and water. Over time it builds up a beautiful natural patina. Petter’s furniture is made to last, to be passed on through generations, bringing pleasure every day to the home, workplace or public space.

 

Commissions have included the directors’ dining room at the National Gallery, the boardroom for Barbican Art Gallery, reception and boardroom furniture for many different companies and corporations mainly in London but also locally for Bridport Town Hall, LSI and Lyme Regis Philpot Museum. He has designed and made public art seating for Cambridge Science Park, the Wessex Ridgeway Sculpture Trail, Sanctuaries for Newton Abbott and Minehead Hospitals & the Macmillan Garden at Hereford Hospital. In 2019 his Wave Pavilion was commissioned for one of the main Show Gardens for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Private commissions have been numerous and varied, sometimes beginning by milling and drying timber from the clients’ land.