The TN card is the local loyalty scheme that rewards shoppers for supporting our independents. This month, its founder Jess Gibson chats to Amanda Sinclair of The Wood Room, located at 29 Lower Walk on The Pantiles, to find out more about this fascinating interiors and crafts emporium…
Amanda, you describe The Wood Room as a cornucopia of bespoke furniture, lighting, beeswax candles and home furnishings. What came first and when?
The Wood Room was created many years ago by my father, John, at a different location. My brother-in-law, Alex Houlton, owner of Tunbridge Wells Interiors and The Wood Room, offered my father the opportunity of a workshop and retail shop here on the Lower Pantiles, enabling him to showcase his work. Everything else that we offer in the shop followed on organically. We aim to promote a sustainable and environmental approach in everything that we do.
John is the craftsman behind your exquisite made-to-treasure furniture and mirror frames. How long has he been in the trade?
My father has been working in this domain since he left school. He has worked on major food and beverage developments, built many houses including our own family home, and has followed his passion for creating beautiful items from wood.
How does your bespoke service work?
Our shop contains examples of what we can make, but our true passion is to make your dream piece of furniture for your home.
Alongside commissions, do you have ready-to-buy pieces in the shop?
Yes, we have bespoke clocks which we can have handpainted with your choice of picture, handmade letters in all sizes for handmade signs, hand-turned mirror frames and handmade candlesticks.
Tell us about your beeswax candles…
Our Beeswax candles are 100% natural beeswax, kind to the environment – as well as our own well-being – and tie in with our focus on sustainability. We are proud to be the largest stockist in our area.
You are part of a special collective of independents on The Lower Pantiles. Can you tell us more about that?
Yes, we are very proud to be based on the often overlooked but extraordinary The Lower Pantiles. It’s a great area with bespoke independents who collectively offer a variety of items and services. We have Pantiles Oriental Carpets, 31B Hair, Yiju Antiques, Catherine Hills Jewellery and fellow TN partners, Pincushion and Fairfax Gallery.
Thank you for being a TN partner. Why did you want to join?
The TN card is an amazing and innovative scheme that really brings independent establishments and communities together. We are very proud to be part of the TN card and working with yourself. We thank your members for supporting us with a gift of beeswax tealights when they spend more than £15.
What will we find in your beautiful shop as we head into autumn?
The Wood Room is constantly evolving and we have lots of new ideas that will come to the fore for the autumn and Christmas periods, including our collection of wooden toys. Visit us to have a browse every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday – we would love to see you.
