Originally established by Harry Langworthy in Chagford on Dartmoor, The Otter Workshop has recently moved to a large, fully equipped workshop in a stunning location on the banks of the River Tamar in Devon.
Here, Harry has been joined by his son and fellow carpenter Hugh Langworthy.
About Us
HARRY LANGWORTHY
The Otter Workshop began as the shop front for the work of experienced carpenter and joiner Harry Langworthy.
Harry has a background in historic boat repair, having cut his teeth working for The Exeter Maritime Museum, however his first “commission” was the carving of a full sized aircraft propeller for Sir Frank Whittle (inventor of the jet engine) at the tender age of 9 years and has continued his carpentry to the present day!
Specialising in bespoke cabinet making, Harry will produce a range of carpentry and cabinet making solutions with quality at its core including furniture, miscellaneous projects, and turned plates.
All of the work produced at The Otter Workshop is made to the very highest of standards, utilising traditional techniques and quality, sustainable materials.
Originally based in Chagford on Dartmoor, The Otter Workshop has now moved to a much larger, fully equipped workshop in a stunning location on the banks of the River Tamar, allowing Harry to now offer small wooden boat repair in addition to his other carpentry services.
Harry is focused on involving clients closely in design processes and material selection, welcoming visits to the workshop by appointment to see the piece at the various stages of construction.
Harry has now been joined at The Otter Workshop by his son Hugh Langworthy.
HUGH LANGWORTHY
Hugh makes furniture and homeware designed to be functional and tactile using native woods and traditional techniques. His pieces are built to be used and enjoyed, develop character with age and become heirloom objects. His designs embrace classic clean lines, pleasing proportions and are refined to celebrate the natural features of the grain.
Hugh works as an independent craftsman as part of The Otter Workshop with his father Harry. Hugh started carpentry as a youngster, carving toy sailing boats out of scrap wood in Harry’s garage. After school and University Hugh found work with National Historic Ships, training first as a sailor of historic boats, learning about boat construction and techniques at the International Boatbuilding Training College and studying history and conservation principles at The Scottish Fisheries Museum. Hugh then found work as an apprentice shipwright and rigger at a shipyard specialising in traditional and historic vessels in Gloucester, T. Nielsen & Co.
During this time Hugh developed skills in large scale shipwrighting woodwork, metal work and traditional steel and natural fibre rope work - working on major restoration projects, museum ships RRS Discovery and HMS Victory and a number of Hollywood film sets. This period also helped Hugh refine his joinery and cabinet making skills, fitting hardwood cabinetry into tallships and gentleman’s yachts.
Moving back to Dartmoor and working with Harry, Hugh has been able to employ these skills more creatively pursuing his own furniture designs and homeware projects, drawing on his maritime experience to create pieces centred on purpose that are hard-wearing and attractive.
BEMO
workshop dog