Viva Lewes Issue #107 August 2015

trade secrets
Alistair Fleming
Fine English Cabinetry
When I started out, over 30 years ago, it was
just me, a couple of old machines and a few hand
tools in a pig shed in Hadlow Down. We moved to
our current premises in Plumpton in 2000 which we
converted from an old cow byre to a fully equipped
furniture-making workshop. Jon, who joined me 28
years ago, manages this side of the operation.
Each kitchen we build is bespoke, with every
piece constructed and finished in-house. We start
from raw, FSC certified timber and this is where the
alchemy begins. Detailed drawings are handed over
to one of our cabinet makers who will be responsible
for every joint, hinge and handle, in the creation of
each kitchen.
There are so many individual processes and
every one needs to be done properly so as not to
undermine the finish. By keeping it all in-house,
we can ensure everything is carried out to our
satisfaction. I still love to see the individual cabinets
emerging, piece by piece, in the workshop.
Due to the bespoke nature of what we do, most
of our clients will be local. This ensures that
we can provide on-going support and care to our
customers which has, over the years, helped us build
an established reputation. My connection to Lewes
is very strong, with an extensive network of personal
and business relationships. Our sustainability is also
important to us - all of our off-cuts help to keep the
workshop warm in winter!
Each kitchen is a collaboration with the client,
requiring time and patience. It’s important to
establish a rapport and a trust so that we can translate
an inspired concept into reality. Each finalised design
is usually the result of many lively and detailed
conversations.
Given a brief, I can usually walk into a space and
quickly visualise the options. What takes time is
weaving together the finer details that lift a design
from the mundane to the beautiful. Every space is
different but, for me, it’s of primary importance that
a kitchen functions practically and efficiently. Having
designed and built many hundreds of kitchens
over the last 30 years, we have a wealth of experience
to call on.
We’ve recently changed our name from Woodworks
back to Alistair Fleming – our original
business name. A lot has changed in Lewes in the
20 years we’ve had the showroom here; we have
evolved and our identity refined at the same time. I
realise if I was starting out now, it’d be a very different
prospect in the current economic climate. Even
back then I relied on the generosity of helpful landlords.
Lewes attracts a lot of creative talent and it’s
important we somehow provide affordable start-up
premises, otherwise we will lose the eclectic mix in
the town along with some of its unique character.
As told to Lizzie Lower
Alistair Fleming is offering a free survey and design
service for Viva readers throughout August.
01273 471269, alistairflemingdesign.co.uk
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