I am a designer and maker of bespoke wooden furniture, using everything from traditional woodworking skills to contemporary technology to create modern heritage pieces.  Involving the client in the design process from the outset, I encourage a sense of co-operation and mutual creativity that is beyond the usual shopping experience. View previous commissions here

In a previous life I worked in retail management and then IT project management, and carry the people skills and eye for detail through into my furniture company. I re-trained at the fantastic Williams and Cleal International Fine Furniture school on Exmoor in Somerset, where I learnt everything from traditional hand tool skills to the use of 21st century milling machines. The schools tutors can trace a clear linage back to the Arts & Crafts movement and embody its principles of design simplicity and material intelligence.

Although my grandfather was a carpenter and mechanical engineer and I have fond memories of his workshop, I only thought about woodworking as a career change whilst completing volunteer work in the forests of Ecuador. After several years at a desk I fancied doing something outdoors and physical and so the volunteering agency sent me to a village in the cloud forests on the pacific slopes of the Andes, where I was invited to stay with a lumberjack, Miguel and his family. As well as teaching English to everyone in the village in the evenings (terrifying!), I helped Miguel to fell and drag trees out of the forest during the day. I cut my hands to pieces, I nearly took my head off with a chain saw but generally I had a fantastic time. The forest was full of rainbow coloured parrots, lizards the size of dogs and these bizarre but beautiful heliconia flowers at the base of each tree we felled. The heliconia name seemed like a good fit for a woodworking business; natural but somehow full of engineering.

Now based in South London - I provide a bespoke commission service for private individuals and commercial businesses.

Variations on my previous work are available to buy.  Email for prices and hi-res images

Christopher Burley

Contact

Enquiries@heliconia-furniture.co.uk
+44(0)7738 469 686

Sustainability

Involving mostly low turnover, specialist work, my practice is deliberately kept small scale with slow production and a short custody chain. Most of my projects are focused on materiality and the specific provenance of the timber is of paramount importance. When choosing materials for my products, I buy timber from local sources – trees that have fallen or have been ethically felled (trees that have been taken down for safety reasons or for the health of trees around it). Bespoke projects often involve clients with different costs and timescales and if the trees are not locally felled then the timber is sourced through reputable FSC assured timber yards.

And for the last 3 years I have been involved in a Forest Commission steering group to discuss the felling, storage and distribution of timber from the urban forest.

My waste disposal includes firewood bags I take to customers in Kent & Surrey and beyond. My wood chippings are picked up by local garden businesses in South London who use the waste for mulch and a local potter who uses it for firing.

Testimonials

Reading Desk
Dear Chris,

I want to thank you again for your help with the small writing table in American walnut we recently commissioned from you. From the original design and small adjustments following our conversations, to the very prompt completion of the project and delivery to us at home, we could not be happier. The elegant appearance and attention to detail in the finish are exactly what we were hoping for. You solved our problem of finding a somewhat unusual piece of furniture for a specific location and we are grateful to you.

Richard (London)

Writing Desk
I met Chris when he was exhibiting his cocktail cabinet at MADE London crafts fair at One Marylebone. The cabinet is a true "object of desire" - I love the design, workmanship and the aesthetic appeal. I had no space for a cabinet but picked up a business card after chatting to Chris and knew exactly who I wanted to commission to design a desk a few months later. 

Chris is a pleasure to deal with and he spared no effort in the design stage and was not at all pushy in the process. It was apparent that he takes great pride in his work and in delighting his clients. The end result has surpassed my expectations and I love the fact that a photographic storyboard illustrates the creative journey. 

Joanna Thompson
London



Walnut Cabinet
I commissioned Chris in 2013 to create a cabinet to complement the Arts & Crafts period features of our sitting room.  I was impressed with how he interpreted the brief and took cues from the room to create a range of quite different designs for us to consider. As an amateur woodworker myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the subsequent development process, which was made fun by Chris' relaxed and collaborative approach.

The final piece sits beautifully in the room, echoing the design of the fireplace. We are delighted with the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship and I have no hesitation in recommending Chris for bespoke furniture commissions. 

Peter Vernon
London



Modernist Dining Table in English Oak & Foot stools
Hi Chris,

Thank you for the beautiful table and footstools. They look wonderful and fit the space perfectly. Thanks so much for your creativity and skill in bringing my ideas to life.

Mark
Brockley, London

Coffee Table with grey glass
We'd spent hours searching online and in furniture shops in the hope of finding a coffee table that had the exact dimensions we wanted in a design and finish that suited our space and style. We finally decided to find a craftsman and commission a bespoke piece. We found Chris and Heliconia online and thanks to the testimonials from other happy customers felt confident approaching him for his ideas. Chris visited our home to get a sense of what we were looking for and talked us through the process. 

It was great talking to someone who was as excited as we were at the possibilities. Chris came up with several designs that fitted our brief. When we had questions and a request for a couple of tweeks Chris was very responsive and we commissioned the coffee table in black walnut and grey glass. We followed Chris's progress online with interest and love the finished table. Our favourite piece of furniture. It's warm yet light and the simple clean lines suit our style perfectly. 

Chris has a natural understanding and feel for his work and his exacting standards are evident in the very high quality of his furniture. Thanks again, Chris

Sarah Hukins
Bermondsey, London



Narrow Dining Table - Foal
We contacted Chris because we recognised the high quality craftsmanship in his work. We had an idea of what we wanted, and by working with him, we were able to realise a perfect design. Chris's approach in collaborating with us enabled a greater level of creativity and resulted in a unique and beautiful object (the Foal Table). 

His attention to detail in refining and realising the design was intrinsic to the process. He made maquettes and he wasn't satisfied until we were all happy with the design. He also spent time helping us choose the right wood. The finished table exceeded our expectations and the Foal has become a prized piece of furniture. 

Erica Sciolti
Canonbury, London N1



Fitted wardrobe, Chest of Drawers & Console Table
I was delighted to work with Chris to commission a number of pieces for my house bringing both design and manufacturing ideas together with the vision I had for the overall look and feel for various rooms. My son is delighted with his bedroom wall unit and my wife loves the natural look to the bedside drawers that have been made by Chris. 

Chris also designed made and installed the hall console table and mirror in a very tight space-it looks great in Walnut and steel which complement the other materials used in the hallway." 

Luke Joannou
Hadley Wood, Barnet



Arts & Crafts Morris chair - Arts & Crafts Settle
We spent eight years looking for the right sofa for our awkward lounge & then Heliconia was recommended to us. 

Chris visited our home to measure and see the space. He then navigated around some red herrings that we provided in our brief, guiding us towards the best design. The final price was surprisingly reasonable considering the quality of materials, craftsmanship and bespoke design. 

We could easily have paid the same in high street for something far less suitable. The final design is the perfect style for our Arts and Crafts home. Chris even met the challenge of getting the settle through our narrow front door. The settle is both beautiful and functional and it has transformed our home. It is lovely to think that it will last a lifetime. 

Mr & Mrs Loasby
North London



Revolving Bookcase
Thanks a million, Chris for the bookcase, it's the most gorgeous piece of custom-made furniture, looks fabulous stacked with a large combination of book sizes and is in effect a small rotating library, which will see generations of good use in this family. 

Carmel Boyhan Irvine
Plymouth, Devon

Revolving Bookcase with glass top
We are over the moon with our new revolving bookcase. This was our first experience of having any bespoke furniture made, (we were initially daunted by the potential complexity and cost) but Chris really helped to bring our rough ideas to life and within a budget that was suitable. 

We were also really impressed with his knowledge of materials and construction techniques, which then enabled us to be guided through the whole process and turned it into a really exciting project. 

We were keen to get the finished piece prior to Christmas (so we could show her off to friends and family!) and Chris delivered as promised. We now have a unique piece of furniture that will last forever. Highly recommended. 

Marc & Eleanor
Surbiton, Surrey



Bookcases
I've now had two pieces made by Chris: a revolving bookcase made to a specific size, and a matching non-revolving bookcase for a gap in my living room. Both pieces are well made, from good quality materials and look great. 

He emailed me with photos and a bit of cad during the design and build process too, to keep me well informed. The pieces are well designed, practical and well executed. Chris was punctual and delivered on the expected date in both cases. Cannot recommend highly enough. 

Philip
West Hampstead