Theo Silkstone: From Oxford Patent Attorney to Furniture Designer

How does someone leave a career as a patent attorney to become a furniture maker?In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with furniture designer and maker Theo Silkstone to explore his unconventional journey from studying Material Science at Oxford to building sculptural furniture inspired by nature.Theo shares how renovating a cottage during lockdown changed the direction of his life, why a fallen oak tree became the catalyst for a new career and how traditional cabinet making at Rycotewood shaped his approach to craftsmanship.They discuss furniture design, woodworking, cabinet making, sculptural furniture, creative careers, sustainable timber, material science, AI in furniture design, marketing for makers and the realities of running a creative business.Key Topics Covered✦ Theo's journey from Oxford to furniture making✦ Leaving a career in patent law✦ How a fallen oak tree changed everything✦ Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood✦ Designing sculptural furniture✦ Functional art and furniture design✦ Working with oak, ash, metal and Jesmonite✦ Building bespoke hi fi cabinets✦ Marketing for furniture makers✦ Using AI during the design process✦ Setting up a new workshop✦ Building a creative communityEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 From patent attorney to furniture maker04:27 Learning cabinet making at Rycotewood06:03 Designing sculptural furniture10:21 Why marketing matters for makers12:00 Working with oak, ash and Jesmonite15:06 Material science meets woodworking23:30 Why old furniture is a timber goldmine31:33 Learning from other crafts40:56 AI and the future of creative work54:48 Building a new workshop56:08 Advice to his younger self