About Florence

A passion for design and craftsmanship

Beauty is all around us. 

Growing up in Brussels I enjoyed walking around the city looking at the architectural details that make each building unique and contribute to the unique character of the place.

I studied History of Art and Archaeology before undertaking a foundation course in architecture in London and a masters in building conservation. Throughout my studies I was drawn to understanding the process, the techniques and how collaboration and context influenced the artwork as well as developing a keen interest in the preservation of traditional skills. Thanks to a scholarship from the Belgian ‘Fondation Roi Baudouin’ I had the amazing opportunity to be an apprentice in stonemasonry at Hereford Cathedral. 

This led me to work in building conservation and the heritage sector in London for over two decades, working on many historic buildings and with talented craftsmen and designers. 

The love of natural material

I continued to work stone as a hobby and decided to also try my hand at wood, enrolling on an architectural wood carving class taught by Saena Ku at the Building Crafts College. This proved to be a key turning point. After winning the annual competition organised by the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers in 2018 I became a Freeman of the Guild and decided it was time to become an artisan. I set-up ‘Atelier Florence’, an Atelier is a workshop of an artisan, maker or artist, reflecting how skill and creativity are combined to create unique artworks.

I cherish the hand-made process of working a natural material which gives each piece a truly unique character and texture.

Working in the Lake District, I favour locally sourced timber and draw inspiration from my past experiences, nature and travels. Bringing the aesthetic into functional and architectural pieces, and the notion of keeping alive traditional skills is what inspires me.