The Regional Furniture Society studies the rich diversity of British regional furniture-making traditions, and the social and cultural context of furniture from the earliest times to the present day. This includes the development of furniture designs in relation to vernacular architecture and the organisation of domestic interiors, as well as international influences on design. It is also concerned with evaluating workshop practices, the use of tools, construction techniques and the surface treatment and decoration of furniture.

The Society was founded in 1984, and is now well established with over 750 members including collectors, furniture makers, restorers, antique dealers, museum curators, students and furniture historians. There is a growing membership in North America and we seek to share in the study of the origins of American, Australian and Canadian furniture along with all other countries where British influence is found.

The Society organises an active programme of activities and an Annual Conference. The activities range from visits to furniture collections in museums, public and private houses, to hands-on one day courses (e.g. in wood identification, or pole-lathe use), and ‘current research’ meetings. It also organises occasional foreign visits The Society publicises events and courses organised by other organisations.

The Society publishes a Newsletter twice a year containing short articles, book reviews, announcements of planned events and reports on previous events.  It publishes Regional Furniture, a scholarly journal containing the latest research, annually. It has also published a number of one-off books.

For details on the benefits of membership and a downloadable application form.