Founded on Passion for Natural Grain & Enduring Joinery
Established in 2012 by Master Joiner Arthur Pendelton, Cotswold Woodcraft & Joinery Ltd began in a restored stone grain mill along the River Windrush in Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire. Having completed rigorous apprenticeships in traditional ecclesiastical joinery and antique conservation, Arthur recognized that modern architectural fit-outs had surrendered authenticity to veneered particleboard and disposable mass production.
Our studio was founded with an uncompromised commitment: to champion solid British and European hardwoods, employ authentic mortise-and-tenon structural joints, and preserve hand-planed finishes that mature gracefully over decades of family living.
Today, our Minster Lovell workshop unites experienced time-served craftsmen, architectural draughtsmen, and heritage conservation specialists, serving discerning homeowners and architects throughout Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, London, and the Home Counties.
The Standards We Uphold in Every Commission
Responsible Provenance
We work exclusively with certified FSC® and PEFC certified timber merchants, prioritizing sustainably harvested English Oak, Olive Ash, and Walnut from well-managed estates.
Scientific Moisture Balance
Timber is acclimatised inside our humidity-regulated workshop to 8–10% moisture equilibrium, mitigating seasonal movement, cupping, or timber joint contraction.
In-House Installation
We never subcontract fitting. The master cabinetmakers who cut and joint your cabinetry in Oxfordshire are the same craftsmen who install it in your home.
The Hands Behind the Bench
Our workshop team combines over 85 cumulative years of fine cabinetmaking, architectural draughtsmanship, and hand-finishing expertise.
Arthur Pendelton
Founder & Master JoinerCity & Guilds Fellow with 28 years mastering drawbored mortises and architectural timber conservation.
Claire Hemmings
Head of Finishes & PolishingSpecialist in ammonia timber fuming, micro-porous natural oils, and traditional hand-rubbed beeswax patinas.
Oliver Vance
Senior CabinetmakerMaster of through-dovetail drawer construction and bookmatched hardwood dining table slab jointing.
Marcus Thorne
Technical Joinery DraughtsmanArchitectural surveyor producing 3D elevations and coordination drawings for RIBA architects.
Visiting Our Oxfordshire Workshop
We encourage prospective clients and architects to visit our Minster Lovell workshop to review timber flitches, examine joinery mockups, and witness hand craftsmanship in progress. Visits are hosted by appointment to ensure our senior makers are on hand.