Liam O’Connor of Authentic Furniture UK Classes – Custom Furniture and Cabinet Making
Liam O’Connor, an experienced designer-maker of modern fine furniture, has 15 years of professional expertise crafting a variety of bespoke pieces. His notable projects include a table commissioned for the Kensington Palace Garden Pavilion and a jewelry box featured in the Victoria and Albert Museum, celebrating the legacy of the Arts & Crafts movement.
Raised in County Kerry, Ireland, Liam developed his skills in the family workshop under the guidance of his master carpenter father. At just 10 years old, he sold his first creation—a cabinet made from scrap wood. His passion for woodworking grew, and for his secondary school woodwork exam, Liam impressed examiners with a 15ft land yacht, showcasing his early ambition.
After learning different woodworking techniques in Ireland, Germany, and France, Liam moved to London. He established his first company, providing custom woodworking solutions to commercial clients. He led a team of 12, working on high-end shop fittings and exclusive residential projects in Knightsbridge.
Despite his commercial success, Liam’s true passion for furniture design led him back to his roots. After exploring design traditions in East Asia, he joined the renowned John Makepeace School for formal training in fine furniture making, earning a prestigious Queen Elizabeth Scholarship—one of only four awarded for furniture making.
Following his training, Liam set up his workshop in Guildford, near the Surrey and Hampshire border. He balances one-off commissions for private clients, crafting limited edition pieces, and sharing his expertise through training courses, remaining deeply passionate about his craft.
A career highlight came in 2014 when Liam was invited to contribute a design for the Kensington Palace Garden Pavilion renovation for a royal celebration. His proposal was accepted, and he presented the finished table to the Duchess of Cambridge, a testament to his enduring dedication to fine craftsmanship