Furniture firm prepares to close, ending 70-year era (From Gazette & Herald)

Furniture firm prepares to close, ending 70-year era

FURNITURE making in North Yorkshire is due for a blow this year when Alan Grainger, of Acorn Industries, retires, drawing a 70-year tradition to a close.

There has been a Grainger making furniture in Brandsby since the 1930s, when Alan's father moved there after learning his trade as a cabinet maker at Medds in Easingwold.

Alan joined his father and formed Acorn Industries in 1958. The business grew and more staff were taken on.

"In 1960 we employed two more, them two more, at one stage we had six or seven working for us," said Alan.

Many of those who served their apprentice with Acorn Industries have since set up their own firms in other parts of the area - one in Crayke, another in Ampleforth and another in Hambleton Green.

Now Alan just has two working with him, and later this year the business will wind down completely.

"I was due to close in April but they wouldn't let me!" he said.

Regular customers are so dismayed at the idea of losing the place that retirement has been put on hold.

However, he assures me that's not permanent and retirement is now scheduled for the autumn.

Some of the more unusual things Alan has been asked to do over the years include elaborate church furniture such as chairs and a screen for Terrington church.

Acorn furniture travels all over the world, and was popular with American servicemen posted at Menwith Hill during the 1970s.

The attraction of handmade furniture is obvious enough.

"I do think people like being able to meet the owner and feel that what they get is made to order," said Alan, who makes a variety of pieces from oak, elm and walnut, among others.

So with this long-established business which has spawned so many others disappearing, does it spell a down-turn for the market?

"I think it will keep on going," said Alan.

"Handmade furniture in this area is very popular - not only the smaller businesses but also there's the famous Thompson's in Kilburn.

"It's so expensive, particularly for young couples with mortgages being so expensive, but it will always be popular with a certain amount of people with a bit of money."

So what now for Alan? It seems hard to imagine him downing tools for good after such a life of dedication to the trade.

He smiles and says: "I might find myself in the shed doing a bit when the weather's no good for golf."

Updated: 15:27 Wednesday, June 15, 2005