Leonhard Mayrhofer

Furniture maker

©Susanne Bayer

A woodcraft sanctuary

Leonhard loves working with pearwood
Old furniture and museums inspire him to make new pieces
His workshop was handed down to him from two previous generations

Leonhard Mayrhofer is a farmer by profession, renowned in Austria for his organic saffron cultivation, but his true passion lies in woodworking. Growing up in and out of his grandfather's woodworking workshop, he was immersed in the craft from a young age. A true autodidact without formal training, Leonhard learned the art of woodworking by observing, asking questions, and experimenting. While he never worked in a professional joinery, his extensive experience building structures for his farm and assisting his siblings with construction projects provided invaluable hands-on knowledge. This self-taught journey fuels his unique approach to craftsmanship, blending tradition with personal creativity. Today, his work reflects skill and a deep connection to materials and techniques.

Interview

©Susanne Bayer

©Susanne Bayer

What wood do you enjoy working with?: It depends on the project. I enjoy working with larch for its colour and often combine it with spruce. For tabletops, hardwoods like pear and maple are ideal, offering durability and resistance to scratches.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?: My ideas often come from old furniture. I do not aim to copy, but to create something unique. Museums, especially the Mining & Gothic Museum in Leogang, inspire me, but I always add my own twist to make the pieces I build personal.
What is the significance of your workshop to you?: My workshop, originally my grandfather's and passed down to me from my father, is a place of memory. While some machines are new, like the planers, the bandsaw is the one my grandfather used. I enjoy working there, especially in winter. It offers a nice break from farming, which I also do.
What was the first piece you ever made?: I remember turning candle holders on my grandfather’s old lathe. I started young, making small things like candle holders and little bowls. I also recall having a small street market where my siblings and I sold our handmade items. I must have been around 12 or 13 at the time.

Leonhard Mayrhofer is an expert artisan he began his career in 1990