Philip Koomen

Furniture maker

©Eva Nemeth

©Philip Koomen

©Eva Nemeth

Keeping the mind alert and the hands creative

Philip has been handcrafting furniture pieces since the mid-1970s
A master of working with different hardwoods, he always has a large selection in his workshop
He sources his own timber, even supervising the milling of the logs

“Watching wooden planks come off the saw is always revelatory," says Philip Koomen. "It is like opening a book—as if a story is being told for the first time,” he shares. Reflecting on half a century of work, Philip estimates he has made about 2000 pieces of furniture over the length of his career, with commissions for over 400 clients in the UK, USA, Japan, Netherlands, and Germany. He has been celebrated by HRH Queen Elizabeth and HRH Prince Philip for his contribution to the British design industry. As a craftsman and as a person, Philip anchors himself in a balance of humility and a desire for betterment. He cultivates inspiration through everything from the art of dance to the natural scenery around his workshop.

Interview

©Eva Nemeth

©Eva Nemeth

What was the first object you ever made?: I made my first piece of furniture at school, a bookcase, at the age of 14. At 21, I made my second piece, a Chinese Ming table. I failed miserably. My confidence far exceeded my woodworking competence. This was my first lesson in humility.
How does your work process usually start?: If I am working on a client commission, we will often look at my back catalogue of commissions for ideas. Once I am confident I understand the client’s needs and aspirations, I make a model of my proposed design.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?: I often play with materials at hand – cardboard, MDF, off-cuts, and so on – until magic happens. I am fascinated by the movement and improvisation of certain forms of live dance or jazz and use life drawing as a creative gym to keep my mind open and my hands fluid.
What is one thing about your work that people may not know?: Every day, I practice meditation and prayer. I am a Bahai. I think this daily practice has sustained my commitment and enthusiasm to strive for excellence for the betterment of the world – in a very modest way!

Philip Koomen is a master artisan: he began his career in 1975 and he started teaching in 1982