Tom Provost originally trained as an automobile engineer at the University of Bolton. Amongst subjects studied he found particular interest, and excelled in automobile design. In his working life he soon realised engineering would engage the mind but rarely would a chance arises to fulfil his practical side. So turned to his much deeper/earlier passion of wood, here he found he could combine his interest in design and craftsmanship to fulfil his creative nature.

In summer 2004 he began training with a Sheffield based cabinet maker, here his making skills where perfected through workshop time and the completion of an NVQ in furniture making and installing. Since late 2006 he has returned to his native Scotland where he has set up Tom Provost Furniture designing and making fine furniture on commission.

Ethos

As a furniture designer and maker Tom strives to create commissions which are innovative and fitting their purpose. Furniture should also be appropriate for its surroundings and should have an obvious impact upon a room, however this impact is not the whole picture.

An initially striking piece, due to materials or size should offer up surprises in its subtleties the longer it is used and viewed. These subtleties take the form of tricks on the eye due to form, texture and plays of light. In this way a piece can maintain freshness even long after it is delivered. This runs true whether the brief is to create an addition to an existing interior, a striking centre piece or a complete room plan.

The inspiration to fulfil this ethos derives it’s self in the flowing form, colourings and simplicities of the trees themselves. Concerning the construction of his furniture he believes the intricate craftsmanship employed, use of locally/sustainably sourced timbers, integration of imperfections in timbers to the care taken in the fine oil and wax finishes combine to preserve that sense of real, honest and hand crafted look which he strives for in his all work.