About us

Trendsetting again!


The news from highly-paid Trend Forecasters is that our next obsession is to be something called the 'Go Slow Movement': taking time to appreciate life, making things last, paying for extra quality and taking an interest in how your possessions are produced. It strikes me that none of this is exactly news...James Morley Furniture customers are clearly way ahead of the game!


JAMES - Having thoroughly enjoyed a career in the Army, I left in 1993 and tried my hand variously in the fields of HR, stockbroking and racecourse management before following my lifelong aim and training as a cabinetmaker in 2001-02. Finally I had found my true vocation. James Morley Furniture was established shortly afterwards and formally launched in October 2002.
DI
After college Di worked as a personal assistant to the Ministry of Defence for nine years, returning to further education to gain a degree in ceramics at Falmouth College of Art. Di taught pottery at Shebbear College in Devon, whilst also working part time for JMF since its inception. Di, James' wife, put her pottery to one side in July 2003 to deal with the accounts, administration, PR and marketing.
ALAN
Alan Pennington is a Hartland man through and through. He joined JMF in June 2004 straight from school, has now completed his basic apprenticeship and is only a few months off his advanced apprenticeship - a year ahead of schedule. Alan is very much part of the team; he is highly gifted and motivated.
TIMBER
Using only the finest quality timber as we do tends to mean that it has been harvested sustainably. We do our best to source timber which is local and environmentally sound.
WORKSHOP
Where all the action takes place!
ENVIRONMENT
Our target to achieve a carbon neutral workshop is well underway. The few emissions we can't avoid are mitigated by planting a tree for every piece of furniture we make. So not only is your furniture produced responsibly but also, it will last forever.
NORTH DEVON
We are very fortunate to live where we do. A source of inspiration, relaxation and fun.
OUR DOGS
Conker, Chutney and Monty are a vital part of the JMF team!
WOOD GLORIOUS WOOD GALLERY
There is no substitute for seeing and touching the furniture first hand. We do various shows during the year but our gallery in the square in the centre of Hartland is a showcase for our own work and all sorts of other treasures. Do call first if you are travelling far to see us.
James is a member of Hartland Artists and Makers (HAM) who are a group of talented individuals including furniture makers, potters, photographers, tutors and an antiques restorer who all share the philosophy of quality and are all, amazingly, based in the centre of Hartland. Come and see us!
ARMY
The Army played a huge part in James' life; having served in The 16th/5th Queen's Royal Lancers during the first Gulf War and subsequently in The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry. In fact it was whilst helping to manage the control of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 with The RMLY that James came down to visit his training workshop in Devon.
THE BIKE
Nothing like a bit of time out on the bike, when time allows.