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Find a Weekend Course to suit you here | RHS on Instagram | NEW 19 Week Course details here.
robinson house studio

Marc Fish

furniture school

Tel: +44 (0)1273 513611

Email: info@marcfish.co.uk.

· RHS 19 & 50 week Furniture Design & Makers’ Courses next start: 22nd April 2025 & 8th September 2025.
· The 50 Week Furniture Design & Makers’ course has been credit rated by SQA at SCQF Level 8. Read more.
· Join our Mailing list here | Read our 5 * reviews on Google.

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Stool Making Week at RHS. Theo Cook Fine Furniture Tutor

Wooden Stool Making Course

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Interview with Marc Fish, Founder & Principal

Interview with Marc Fish, Founder & Principal

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Simon Robson

Simon Robson

harriet 11th October 2017

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2025 Course Dates:

Our next long course intake begin on 22nd April 2025 and 8th September 2025.
Occasionally we can take students outside these intake dates.
If you wanted to gain knowledge of the studio and tutors, we offer a very popular ‘Taster Week’ at £750.00. It runs several times a year.

New for 2025 we have a Stool Making Week, whether you’re an experienced craftsman or a hobbyist this course has been specifically designed to meet your needs, so that you can delve into the world of using workshop machines to create precision and efficiency in your future projects.

We have a variety of Weekend Classes running this year.

Looking for gift vouchers to purchase for our short courses?

If you would like to keep in touch with when course dates are announced, please join our mailing list. Many thanks.

Please email us if you have any questions. Include your ‘phone number too please!

This taster course offers so many skills to take away from working with and caring for hand tools through to how to work to a level of care and precision that is almost hard to imagine! Would recommend to anyone with a keen interest in working with wood whatever your ability there will be something to take forward into your own practice - so much so I myself am already considering signing up to one of their other courses!

Lucy-Ann Gilbert

Read more of RHS's reviews here on Google.

SCQF’s Level 8 for 50 Week Course

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications FrameworkWe are proud to announce the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have credit rated robinson house studio‘s popular 50 Week Furniture Design and Makers’ course at SCQF Level 8, opening more opportunities for students wishing to study furniture design and making.

Long Courses 2024

  • 19 Week Furniture Design & Makers Course
    Students at Robinson House Studio, Newhaven with Theo Cook and Marc Fish as tutors

    The new 19 weeks course has been specifically designed for students who want to learn the core skills of traditional and contemporary furniture design and making. You will guided through several set projects that teach you to create furniture of exceptional standard. Cost: £14,500. Deposit £6,000 to secure your place.

  • 50 Week Furniture Design & Makers’ Course

    This one year course is aimed at those who are looking to commit to a change in their life. This course has been credit rated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) at SCQF Level 8, opening more opportunities for students wishing to study furniture design and making and leave with an internationally recognised qualification. Do you wonder if you have the creativity and the ambition to run your own business? We’ll teach you everything you need to know, right from the beginning. Cost £22,500. £6,000 deposit to secure your place.

  • 2 Year Furniture Design & Makers’ Course

    This two year course is aimed at those who are looking for a big change in their life. Whether you’re deciding what to do after college, or looking for a career change, this course is ideal, and suitable for complete beginners. Cost £32,500. £6,000 deposit to secure your place.

I have completed two weekends courses here. The plane making course with Theo and the wood finishing course with Marc. Both were great. They're fantastic at what they do and were happy answering any questions. At the end of each course I was a lot more clued-up on the subject and my work is improving thanks to them. 5 stars.

Harry Lenton

Booking Courses T&Cs

Please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions for booking courses before making a payment: Booking Terms and Conditions – PDF 121Kb.

One Week Taster Course

  • Wooden Stool Making Course
    Stool Making Week at RHS. Theo Cook Fine Furniture Tutor

    If you’re looking to expand your machine woodworking skills, our 5-day hands-on wooden stool making course is for you. Dates: 3rd – 7th Nov, 2025. £825.

  • Introduction to Handtools & Furniture Making
    An Introduction to Handtools and Furniture Making

    One Week taster courses run throughout the year. An introduction to hand tools and furniture making. No previous experience is required, just plenty of enthusiasm. These courses become fully booked fast! 5 students per class maximum.

If you would like to keep in touch with when course dates are announced, please join our mailing list. Many thanks.

Weekend Classes

  • Wooden Stool Making Course
  • Marquetry with Audrey Fasquelle
  • RHS Newsletter & Instagram
  • Carbon Fibre and Composites Weekend Class
  • Wood Finishing Weekend Class
  • Making the Perfect Dovetails Weekend Class
  • French Polishing with Derek Jones
  • Laminating Weekend Class
  • Steam Bending with Charlie Whinney – 1 Day
  • Make a Wooden Hand Plane with Theo Cook
  • Wood Carving with the Wood Warlock
  • Making Jigs & Templates
  • Introduction to Hand Tools for Furniture Making
  • Veneering One Day Course
  • Spindle Moulding Weekend Class
  • Wood Machining Weekend Class

Students' Work

James Dabell's cabinet made at marc fish

View some of the stunning student work produced at robinson house studio.

Read more

Testimonials

Having worked in Software Engineering for a lifetime, I wanted to develop practical skills with tangible results and hopefully make something I could be proud of. The course has provided me with an insight into the exacting standards necessary to create fine furniture and is equipping me with the key skills. I have particularly enjoyed Marc’s enthusiasm for the design elements, his encouragement to challenge traditional design and to be open to a breadth of inputs/influences.
Gordon White
Having left school to join the creative industry, I wasn’t sure where to start. After researching areas, I was interested in I found that Marc’s courses and ‘robinson house studio’ were exactly what I was looking for as I wanted to explore various elements of design within the industry. When I found Marc’s course online we had a long chat about what I can achieve within the course, what his work entails, his design philosophy and teaching method. It was an easy choice after that to sig… Read more
Christian Watson
My year course at Robinson House Studio has been a very valuable experience thanks to the high quality learning environment that Marc Fish offers to his students. Marc adapts his teaching to each individual according to their skills and confidence, taking care of our progress with infinite patience. I found Marc’s passionate approach to furniture design & making a vibrant artistic echo to explore my own creative expectations, and to turn my design ideas into consistent furniture pieces. I apprec… Read more
Thibaut Degenne
During my time at Robinson house studio I learnt how to combine traditional making techniques with modern design.
Dan Ryder Cook
Prior to my time at robinson house studio I had worked as a carpenter both on site and in a workshop. I realised I wanted to pursue making bespoke fine furniture and felt that a course with Marc at the studio offered in-depth cabinet making tuition as well as the opportunity to explore design. It certainly proved to be an exciting environment to be a part of, with emphasis on contemporary design and the use of innovative new materials and techniques.
Luke Olney
I followed Marc’s 12 week course and am delighted with what I learned and achieved. Marc is an excellent teacher. He is thorough and patient and adapts his advice well to the ability and confidence of each and every student.
Duncan White

Stay in Touch

We send a newsletter out approximately 4 times a year with new course dates, students’ success stories, general news and updates at the studio. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign-up here.

Our Address:

robinson house studio,
Unit E1 & 2 Eastside Business Park,
Beach Road, Newhaven,
East Sussex. BN9 0FB – N.B. some sat-nav maps have the wrong location for our postcode! Be sure to check it takes you to our address.

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5* Google Reviews

We are delighted to have 5 * Google reviews from our students. View them here.

Find us on Instagram

We are so very pleased to announce that another Be We are so very pleased to announce that another Bespoke Guild Mark has been awarded to one of our alumni students @ianburnelldesigns for the Mark Vb version of the Spitfire lounge chair. "This chair is a celebration of my love for birds, flight, and the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, a key defender of Britain during WWII. Specifically, it draws inspiration from the Mark Vb, the main production version of the Spitfire. Its striking wide backrest takes its shape from the clipped wings of the Mark V variant, designed to enhance the aircraft’s manoeuvrability. The chair’s grounded stance mirrors the poised elegance of the Spitfire at rest, evoking a sense of readiness and grace. Equally important is the chair’s commitment to sustainability. Crafted entirely from locally sourced English Oak, it features a hand-woven paper cord seat and a single-piece backrest that has been steam-bent without the use of plastic adhesives like epoxy. Each armrest has been meticulously hand-carved, and the natural wax oil finish is VOC-free, ensuring no toxic chemicals were used in its making. This design embodies both a reverence for history and a low-carbon future." Ian Burnell Great achievement ! Well Done and congratulations @ianburnelldesigns great design, great chair ! @furnituremakerscompany @bespokeguildmark Images by @simoneldon #bespoke #furniture #woodworker #wood #craftsmanship #handcrafted #design #furnituredesignermaker #EcoFriendly #sustainability #handtools #maker
Our next course coming up this month is 'Make The Our next course coming up this month is 'Make The Perfect Dovetail Joint' with Theo Cook 22nd - 23rd March 2025 Our two-day dovetailing course is ideal for anyone who wants to know more about dovetailing – the mark of a master craftsman. A well-executed dovetail joint is the epitome of high-level craftsmanship. However, it’s surprisingly easy with the right tuition. Come and learn techniques used and taught here at robinson house studio. Hand-cut through and lapped dovetails will be demonstrated in stages and students will gain practical experience. Student Testimonial : “Many thanks for an excellent course. Theo’s outstanding expertise, enthusiasm and excellent teaching technique the whole weekend was very enjoyable!” – Dr Peter Spring Book straight on via our website https://marcfish.co.uk/dovetailing-classes/ #furniture #craftsmanship #woodwork #wood #woodworker #bespoke #handcrafted #cabinetmaker #dovetails #handmade #handyman #handcrafted #interiordesign #craft #woodworking #beginners
If you have been thinking that you might want a ca If you have been thinking that you might want a career change or have always wanted to train to be a furniture maker designer, our 50 week and 19 week course starts on April 22nd 2025. In just 50 weeks you could leave us with a qualification in Furniture design and making and start your new career in 2026. We have one space available, so do not delay secure your place today. Email courses@marcfish.co.uk to discuss our courses in more depth. #designer #Design #woodworker #furnituredesign #wood #woodwork #course #craftsmanship #woodfinishing #finefurniture #furnituremaking #InteriorDesign #bespoke #collectibles #furniture #making
Our furniture making students are hard at work on Our furniture making students are hard at work on their box projects this week with progress being made ! Looking forward to the finished results. #design #woodworking #woodworkingskills #woody #handmade #hand-skills #tools #furnituredesign
"A fantastic experience for anyone from newbie to "A fantastic experience for anyone from newbie to home DIYer. Fantastic tutors delivered expert tuition in an inspiring setting. Strongly recommended for anyone who wants to gain insight into how the experts do it!" We love it when we get to hear that our students have had such a great time on our one week taster course and our short courses. If you have been thinking about a course that covers all the skills that you need to start really creating with wood, why not book on to this fab 5 day taster course. Our next one is in April. 7th - 11th April 2025 https://marcfish.co.uk/one-week-taster-course/ We also have spaces on the next two courses that we are running in March: Wood finishing 1st - 2nd March with Marc Fish https://marcfish.co.uk/wood-finishing-weekend-class/ "Make the Perfect Dovetails" with Theo Cook https://marcfish.co.uk/dovetailing-classes/ Both of these course are taught by Master craftsman who are at the top of their chosen field, so a great opportunity to really learn from the experts ! Sign up via our website and we look forward to welcoming you to our amazing furniture school.
Students have had a very busy week this week. Mon Students have had a very busy week this week. Monday started with a trip up to Wrexham to @silverliningfurniture to see the incredible work that is being produced by this industry leader. It was a great experience for our students to be able to see the expertise of furniture making and the beautiful samples that were on display, all our students came back totally inspired and very excited to start their own design projects first starting with their box project and second project. Looking forward to see what these talented students create. Thank you to @silverliningfurniture for great a day ! #career #wood #craftsmanship #inspiration #beautiful #woodwork #handcrafted #designer #interiorinspo #Design #homedesign #InteriorDesign #finefurniture #finefurnituremakers #furnituremaking #BespokeDesign #decor #course #yachts #nature
It was a very busy week last week. Students starte It was a very busy week last week. Students started on their maquette week choosing a design to recreate. Finishing stool projects and talking over new design ideas with @theo__cook it was a hive of creativity as always here @robinsonhousestudio furniture school. #create #design #woodworking # wood #design #makersgonnamake #furniture #interiordesign #designer #handmade #short #courses #skills
A beautiful writing desk designed and made by Wils A beautiful writing desk designed and made by Wilson Law @wilson_law whilst on his Furniture design and makers' course. Made in solid oak then fumed. The three drawer detail at the front with a large leather writing surface makes this a very elegant looking desk. Wilson Law completed the 50 week furniture maker and designer course with us at robinson house studio in 2021. Prior to joining robinson house studio, Wilson was working in events and operations in a bustling central London conferencing centre. The work was predominantly managing events and providing audio/visual solutions for clients, but during the low seasons, it included some basic set building for clients and that really reignited a desire to pursue making. Wilson says: “I’d attended a number of woodworking and woodturning workshops so I knew I loved working with the materials – it was just that these courses were always rather surface level and I really wanted to develop this skillset further. “I’m currently working in a comprehensive secondary school, teaching Design and Technology in North London. Whilst it’s vastly different from designing and making fine furniture, I still get to spend time in a workshop environment – albeit much more basic! It’s a huge confidence boost taking the skills I’d learnt from RHS and really being able to guide students with their projects and portfolios.“ Wilson Law If you have been thinking about a career change or want to get a qualification in Furniture design and making, why not get in touch to discuss your options of joining our school in 2025. We have availability for April 2025 and September 2025 so do get in touch via admin@marcfish.co.uk #bespoke #handmade #wood #furnituredesign #collectibles #luxury #woodworker #inspiration #career #graduate #craftsmanship #interiorstyle #oak #desginer
Inside out Jewellery box made by Toby Ackerman @ac Inside out Jewellery box made by Toby Ackerman @ackermakes Toby made this box as part of his furniture design and makers' course with us at 'Robinson House Studio' furniture school and was his first main project. English oak box with laminated bog oak dividers and suede-lined bottom. With a box commonly aiming to be a purely functional object to hold items of value, this particular box contrastingly has a slightly dysfunctional function, which seeks to create a moment of excitement upon opening it. Inspired by the skylights in Enric Miralles’ Scottish parliament building, the dividers inside the box create an intertwined central compartment, leading the functions of the box to be up for interpretation by the user. Well done Toby ! #beautiful #handmade #wooddesign #wood #bespoke #woodwork #box #jewellerybox
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