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TESTIMONIALS
What satisfied clients say about Giancarlo...
“Giancarlo Bianchi provided some very high quality, specially made, exhibits for the new Penderyn Distillery Visitor Centre that has just opened to the general public. These items have already been points of discussion and interest for our visitors and have helped to highlight some important aspects in the making of our spirits.
He also produced a beautiful presentation box that was a gift for HRH The Prince of Wales on the occasion of opening the distillery to the public on 26 June 2008. Giancarlo’s attention to detail and emphasis on quality were exceptional and we continue to work in partnership with him.”
Stephen Davies
Managing Director
The Welsh Whisky Company
“From the outset Giancarlo showed an understanding and recognition of the type of piece that we needed in the Church (Church Table) which is a contemporary piece of furniture designed to fit well within the traditional surroundings of St Michael’s.
I must say that his final design and choice of wood and finish have been received with universal approval, and admiration for the high standard of workmanship.”
Barry J Smith
St Michael’s PCC
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Former academic, Giancarlo Bianchi, has turned his passion for working with wood into a successful business. Vale Life visits his workshop to find out more.
FROM SMALL ACORNS
Have you always worked with wood?
No, I started my career as a marine geologist. I graduated from Southampton University and went on to obtain a PhD from Cambridge. I then pursued my academic career with a position at Cardiff University in a technical research post from which I left in 2005. I was in need of a new vocation where I could use my manual skills, something which would enable me to make things.
Where did you learn your craft?
I enrolled at the International Woodworking School of David Savage in Devon. I then obtained some local government grants to enable me to set up Bianchi Fine Furniture.
How long has Bianchi Fine Furniture been established?
It’s been up and running for almost two years and, after a challenging start, I am now confident that my new venture is turning into a success story.
Where do your clients come from?
They’ve mainly been private individuals from South Wales but also from beyond in the south-east and south-west of England.
More recently though, there has been a pleasing upturn in the number of corporate enquiries, the most notable being a series of commissions for the Penderyn Distillery, the only distillery in Wales. They have commissioned me to supply a number of wood artefacts to be included in the new visitor centre, which was officially opened by HRH The Prince of Wales.
Is he now a fan of your work?
Yes, I had the privilege of being asked to design and make a solid oak, luxurious dovetailed box to house a special edition of the Penderyn whisky. The Prince certainly seemed to appreciate the quality of the silk-lined box almost as much as sampling the 56% proof whisky!
What woods do you work with?
I only work with hardwoods, all of which have been harvested from woodlands certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. I must admit to having a soft spot for working with American Black Walnut (a beautifully grained timber with a chocolatey colour) but have recently undertaken commissions made of oak, elm, macassar ebony and maple, among others.
What items of furniture have you made recently?
I can turn my hand to most things but more recently I have made an ash lounge cabinet, TV units, shelving, a CD-storage unit, library, church desk, mirrors, vanity units and much more for clients spread across South Wales in places such as Mumbles, Pendoylan, Cardiff and beyond.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a sizable lounge unit in olive ash for a client in the Vale.
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