In our “Meet the Makers” series, we’ll introduce you to local personalities from each of the towns where Nest offices are located. In our technology driven world, it’s nice to meet people who are still physically making tactile things by hand. These makers enrich our communities and color the landscape of our towns. For this installment, we visit two woodworkers in Richmond, VA.
+ ERIN TILL & SARAH GRINTER, Furniture Restorers
When Erin Till first caught a glimpse of Sarah Grinter, Grinter was single-handedly hauling an antique armoire up a flight of stairs and into her apartment to restore. Till immediately knew they would be great friends. Four years later, they are not only friends but business partners as well. The pair co-own S.G. Woodworks, a fine furniture restoration, preservation, and modification shop in Richmond, VA. Housed in a refurbished 1924 auto mechanic shop, the team lovingly brings neglected or well-worn pieces back to life. We sit down with the pair to find out more about their passion for wood, textiles, design, and the furniture pieces that result.
An ever-learning craftsman, Grinter earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in furniture construction from Richmond’s Virginia Commonwealth University, while also studying under well-known woodworkers, attending workshops, and refurbishing discarded furniture in her free time. After graduating, she honed her craft working in an upholstery shop, and ultimately opened her own furniture refurbishing business, S.G. Woodworks, in 2004.
When Till arrived in Richmond, she came with a deep love for furniture from an aesthetic standpoint. She previously worked at Quinn’s Auction Galleries in Falls Church, VA, after earning her Bachelor’s of Arts in English Literature from the University of California at Irvine. She possessed a knowledge of designers and styles, but wanted to understand the technical artistry behind furniture building. She convinced Grinter to allow her to work at S.G. Woodworks, helping to restore a vintage sofa she had purchased for $12.50. Till ended up working alongside Grinter for another two years on various projects, and when Grinter decided it was time to take S.G. Woodworks to the next level, she knew Till was the ideal co-owner. Grinter shares, “We work so well together—we posses the same work ethic and ambition.”
With two woodworkers at the helm, the company is now able to collaborate with a variety of residential and commercial clients. Working on different projects week-to-week from concept to completion keeps things interesting and satisfying. “It’s like a great recipe—starting with the ingredients (fabric, wood, thread, etc.) and getting to have a meal at the end (a finished piece of furniture),” says Grinter.
In our current world of fast fashion and bargain designer knock-offs, it’s refreshing to meet a pair of artists who are committed to maintaining the integrity of a beautifully designed piece, and utilizing its longevity. “Our favorite projects are those that tell a story,” Grinter explains. Till continues, “Getting to help restore heirlooms and maintain them—keeping those pieces alive for the next generation.” The team is passionate not only about honoring the past, but breathing new life into each piece of furniture and the overall space in which it resides. They keep abreast of current trends and options, visiting textile houses locally and internationally. “Design permeates into everything about our lives. We are constantly searching for inspiration to add to our visual repertoire,” says Till.
These makers encourage you to keep your eyes open! Whether at an auction house, yard sale or thrift store, be on the lookout for vintage furniture with good bones. With a bit of creativity when it comes to fabric choices, you’ll be amazed at what an heirloom piece can become.
To learn more about S.G. Woodworks, visit sgwoodworksrva.com
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
We ask each of our makers to share what’s in their toolbox—the five things they can’t live without:
1. Pneumatic Staple Gun
2. Measuring Tape and Razor Blades
3. Upholstery Staple Pull
4. Pencil
5. Scissors
We shared this story with you in our Fall/Winter 2017 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here.
Richard Bearman
Written on
It’s great to see two young women with such respect for the pieces and materials they’re working with. I’ve seen their work and it is meticulous and creative. They can bring an old piece to life or create something new from design up. Very good of Nest to feature such a talented and expressive business.