James Harvey Furniture

James has always been interested in designing and working with wood. In 1988, he invented a catamaran windsurfer which was awarded the title of 'Millennium Product' in 2000. Following his fascination with Africa and its wildlife, James went to Kenya on an expedition with the Kenyan Wildlife Service where he met his photographer wife, Kirsten.

After his return, James trained in fine furniture with one of Britain's top designer-makers, David Savage, at his workshops in North Devon. This refined his designing and developed his cabinet-making skills to a professional level. James has his own workshop in North Dorset where he designs and hand-makes contemporary fine furniture to individual commission. It is here that emphasis is placed on quality of workmanship in order to produce a beautiful, functional piece tailored to the client's individual requirements which will be treasured for generations. The combination of African wildlife and working with wood led James to design and hand-make rocking rhinos, hippos and elephants under the name of 'Rocking Rhinos'. These can become special heirlooms that children of all ages will delight in for years to come.