Each of Nigel Coope's pieces is hand-crafted from tree to chair. Each chair is built from a solid two-inch English elm board, hollowed out to reveal an unbroken area of rich grain not possible with a jointed seat. It is finished with a rich French polish and beeswax.

The wood for these magnificent chairs has been selected by Nigel Coope for its unique grain.

Steambending - A process whereby water in the wood is heated to make it supple. The wood has to be quickly bent, in about three minutes, as the steam passes over it.

Many parts for Windsor chairs involve wood-turning. Here Nigel Coope uses a chisel to shape the wood into the beautiful hollows you see in the finished product.

A craftsman cuts out the arm for a smokers high bow made from the distinctive burr elm.