Christina Jansen was recently invited to visit The Steading at Blainslie in the Scottish Borders, the extraordinary former home and working environment of sculptor, furniture maker and environmentalist Tim Stead (1952–2000).
One of Scotland’s most original makers, Stead worked predominantly with native timbers, creating furniture and sculpture in which making, living and a deep respect for the natural world were closely connected. The Tim Stead Trust now cares for The Steading, his collection and archive, while continuing his commitment to craft, ecology, learning and community.
The Steading remains a thriving working studio. Tim’s former apprentice David Lightly continues to make furniture from the original workshop, now The Wood Neuk, carrying forward the skills, materials, and spirit of Stead’s remarkable legacy.
