Richard Eccleston from Oak Leaf Gates has worked with everyone from Candy & Candy to the Crown Estate and National Trust, creating tailor-made oak gates that follow traditional British artisan techniques. Here he talks about providing turn-key solutions for properties both rural and urban
You launched Oak Leaf Gates in 1992. What was the inspiration?
I was always keen on woodwork at school and went on to study architecture at college. After realising that architecture was a little too far removed from what I loved doing most – making things – I then went on to complete a two-year course at Hooke Park College in Dorset, run by John Makepeace. It was there that I learnt about using timber, and was given forestry training and advised about setting up a business. It was a very hands-on course in the woods, and actually where I met my future business partner. After the course finished, we took on two oak structure projects for private clients and then in 1992 we launched English Oak Garden Structures. In 1996/1997, a commission to make a gate for one client inspired us to stop making oak structures and concentrate solely on gates.
Did you always want to run your own specialist woodwork business?
It was a natural move towards the woodwork industry rather than a conscious one. Woodwork was always my first love. We came to our current premises nine years ago and now have 10,000 sq ft office and workshop space, with a team of eight joiners, three site engineers and six in the office.
Where do you source your wood?
We are the best wooden gate makers there are because we source the highest quality oak. We use seasoned oak from France, which is all certificated – the French have been using quality timber since the time of Napoleon.
We are the best wooden gate makers there are because we source the highest quality oak
You will be on the Main Avenue at the Chelsea Flower Show in May. How long have you been attending?
We’ve been at the Chelsea Flower Show since 1999, so this will be our 18th year. Being at Chelsea is a great opportunity to meet the right people, including garden designers and architects.
Do you have a favourite project?
We used the original plans and restored 19th century gates at Knightshayes National Trust in Tiverton, and we’re currently working on a project with the Crown Estate opposite St James’s Palace in London where we’re replacing nine garage doors. We’re also working on something for Candy and Candy interior design.
What does being a British brand mean to you?
Although we source the finest timber from France, we follow traditional British techniques, such as the joints. With British brands, craftsmanship is crucial. In the making industry, paying for quality means getting something made-to-measure for that specific individual, something tailor-made.
Are your clients hands-on or hands-off?
We do the whole job: we design, manufacture, install and service and not many joinery firms do that. It’s about providing turn-key solutions. Our customers are busy and wealthy, and they have one number to call.
Who inspires you in the world of design?
Everyone from Mies van der Rohe to Gaudi. I like honesty in design and making – we like to do things that suit architecture properly instead of trying to copy what’s been done before.
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