In 1985 one of the UK’s leading furniture designers, Anselm Fraser, bought a crumbling farm steading in the heart of the East Lothian countryside.

 

His vision was to transform the 19th century stone barn into one of the world’s leading independent furniture making and design schools.

 

Stone by stone, joist by joist, he and his wife Antonia slowly transformed the neglected farm building into a world-class school and delightful family home.

 

The school started slowly, with three or four students a year, but as its reputation for excellence spread, so numbers increased.

 

Today up to 20 students a year undertake the professional course that runs from October through to early June, making it one of the most successful in the world.

 

There are five full time members of staff, a host of visiting experts and workshops for school graduates who want to start their own business.

 

Anselm also runs an award winning furniture making and
restoration business alongside the school and is an inspirational speaker on the history of furniture design and woodworking.