Couverture de Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

De : Robin Johnson
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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Copyright 2026 Robin Johnson Art Sciences sociales
Épisodes
  • Titanium Bikes, British Frame Building and Custom Bicycle Design: Jim Walker on Enigma Bicycle Works

    Titanium Bikes, British Frame Building and Custom Bicycle Design: Jim Walker on Enigma Bicycle Works
    Jul 8 2026

    What makes a titanium bicycle so special, and why are so few still built in Britain?

    In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jim Walker, founder of Enigma Bicycle Works, to explore the craft, engineering and business of building world class titanium bicycle frames. Jim shares the story behind Enigma's mission to preserve British bicycle manufacturing, the challenges of welding titanium, and why custom bike fitting remains at the heart of their process.

    The conversation covers the evolution of the cycling industry, the rise of Far Eastern manufacturing, the growing complexity of modern bike technology, and the realities of running a premium British made brand. Jim explains how Enigma creates bespoke titanium road bikes, gravel bikes and custom bicycle frames tailored to each rider, while maintaining the quality, craftsmanship and customer service that have earned them a loyal following around the world.

    For cyclists, frame builders, makers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in British manufacturing, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of the UK's most respected bicycle brands.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Building titanium bicycle frames in Britain
    • The challenges of welding titanium
    • Custom bike fitting and bespoke frame design
    • British bicycle manufacturing past and present
    • The decline of UK bike production
    • Why titanium offers a unique ride quality
    • Gravel bikes, road bikes and all road bikes
    • The rise of electronic shifting and integrated cockpits
    • Cycling industry trends and built in obsolescence
    • Surviving the post Covid cycling market
    • Premium products versus price driven competition
    • Repairing titanium bike frames
    • The future of British made bicycles

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 — Why titanium remains one of the most challenging materials in bicycle manufacturing

    00:53 — The science behind titanium welding and creating flawless frame joints

    02:48 — What makes a titanium bike feel different on the road

    05:29 — Built in obsolescence and the growing complexity of modern bicycles

    11:28 — Integrated cockpits, hidden cables and the maintenance debate

    14:40 — The collapse of British bicycle manufacturing and why Enigma was founded

    16:13 — From millions of UK made bikes to just twenty thousand per year

    18:34 — The explosion of titanium bike brands and the challenge of standing out

    22:44 — How Enigma designs bespoke bicycles around each rider

    23:47 — Why titanium became Enigma's defining material

    26:14 — Building world class frames in Sussex with a small specialist team

    28:13 — Tailoring ride quality through tube selection and frame geometry

    29:16 — Electric bikes, the Scarpa system and the future of assisted cycling

    34:59 — Covid, the cycling boom and surviving the industry's toughest years

    43:50 — Why Enigma focuses on premium quality rather than competing on price

    46:43 — The value of British craftsmanship in a global manufacturing market

    50:35 — Frame repairs, after sales service and long term customer relationships

    52:12 — The challenge of marketing British manufacturing in a crowded market

    55:30 — Jim's dream titanium bike build and the perfect all road setup

    59:03 — Advice for young people considering a career in the cycling industry
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    1 h et 2 min
  • From Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in Craft

    From Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in Craft
    Jul 1 2026
    How does a sculptor build a successful career in luxury interiors, collectible design and contemporary craft? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with sculptor Tom Palmer to explore his journey from a childhood spent making things on a Sussex farm to creating acclaimed alabaster sculptures and bespoke pieces for interior designers, galleries and private clients around the world.Tom shares the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crash, his transition from bespoke chandeliers to sculpture, and why material experimentation remains central to his creative process. The conversation explores collectible design, luxury interiors, craftsmanship, storytelling, gallery representation, creative careers and the importance of relationships in the design world. Tom also reflects on social media, comparison culture, and why the creative industry offers more opportunities than many people realise.Key Topics CoveredTom Palmer's journey into sculpture and designGrowing up making things on a Sussex estateLearning through experimentation and materialsThe rise and fall of the bespoke chandelier businessSurviving the 2008 financial crashRestoring antiques and developing specialist skillsWhy alabaster became his signature materialCollectible design and the luxury interiors marketWorking with galleries and interior designersThe role of storytelling in creative businessesDesign trends, craftsmanship and originalitySocial media and comparison in creative careersAdvice for emerging artists, designers and makersEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 What a sculptor actually does in luxury interiors and collectible design05:18 Growing up making things on a Sussex farm and learning through experimentation10:58 Why Tom rejected traditional art school and chose his own creative path12:30 Building bespoke chandeliers and landing major hotel and commercial projects15:00 How the 2008 financial crash wiped out an entire business overnight16:27 The shared artist studio that became Tom's real education in design and business20:13 Restoring antiques, reverse engineering craftsmanship and learning forgotten techniques24:03 Leaving client work behind and creating original designs under his own name25:17 Selling work internationally and reaching luxury interior designers through FirstDibs28:02 Collectible design explained and why the industry is changing rapidly34:16 Why storytelling, relationships and reputation matter more than technical skill36:26 The hidden barriers to entering the design and interiors industry38:32 Working with interior designers and building long term creative partnerships41:15 Creating luxury pieces for private clients that can never be shown publicly43:51 The projects Tom is most proud of and the challenge of staying creatively fulfilled45:07 Why alabaster became his signature material and the appeal of carving stone46:50 Training in Italy, learning marble carving and finding his own artistic voice48:17 Finding inspiration in Gothic architecture, medieval design and historic craftsmanship50:53 Escaping trends, avoiding the algorithm and developing original creative ideas52:02 Design trends, minimalism, ornament and whether craftsmanship will make a comeback55:22 Why the best makers push beyond trends instead of copying what already works58:11 Bronze furniture, luxury design trends and what wealthy clients actually buy01:00:00 Why galleries, storytelling and personal reputation drive success in creative industries01:01:21 Advice for young artists, designers and makers navigating social media and comparison01:03:04 The opportunity hidden inside the creative industries and finding your own path forward
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    1 h et 7 min
  • Furniture Making, Social Media and Growing a Bespoke Workshop: George Curl on Building Aspects Bespoke

    Furniture Making, Social Media and Growing a Bespoke Workshop: George Curl on Building Aspects Bespoke
    Jun 24 2026

    George Curl, founder of Aspects Bespoke, joins Robin Johnson to share the realities of building a successful bespoke furniture and cabinet making business. From painting and decorating jobs and handyman work to running a specialist workshop creating high end fitted furniture, George explains how practical experience, social media marketing, strong client relationships and continuous learning have shaped his journey.

    George discusses the challenges of pricing bespoke projects, training apprentices, finding reliable staff, and balancing creative ambition with commercial reality. He also reveals why Instagram has become one of the most powerful tools for attracting clients, building trust and showcasing craftsmanship.

    For furniture makers, cabinet makers, woodworkers, joiners, tradespeople and creative business owners, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a workshop, build a reputation and create work that stands out.

    Key Topics Covered

    • Building a bespoke furniture business from scratch
    • Moving from general construction into cabinet making
    • The importance of having a dedicated workshop
    • Growing a team and training apprentices
    • Pricing bespoke furniture and custom joinery projects
    • Why social media matters for furniture makers
    • Using Instagram to attract ideal clients
    • Building relationships with interior designers
    • Learning new skills including veneering and specialist techniques
    • Managing mistakes, setbacks and project challenges
    • The value of Google reviews and local search
    • Creating a reputation for high quality craftsmanship
    • Business growth in the furniture making industry

    Enjoying the show?

    Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

    Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

    Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

    Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 George Curl's journey into furniture making

    02:43 Learning through construction, carpentry and refurbishment

    08:20 Taking the leap into a dedicated workshop

    10:45 Building a team and hiring apprentices

    13:24 Finding a niche through unique bespoke projects

    19:08 The challenge of pricing custom furniture

    24:18 Educating clients on quality and craftsmanship

    34:22 Why workshops and showrooms help win projects

    35:35 How Instagram attracts the right clients

    38:08 Building strong supplier relationships

    40:10 Learning veneering and specialist skills

    42:12 Training staff through real projects

    52:26 Advice to an 18 year old entrepreneur

    55:01 Can a furniture business survive without social media?

    57:18 Marketing traditional craftsmanship in a digital world

    01:02:07 Future plans and business growth
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    1 h et 3 min
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