A Manufacto participant builds a wooden design object

Goldfinger Academy

Enhancing our community’s career opportunities and well being through teaching woodworking and craft. 
NEW - WORKSHOP

Japanese Carpentry for Beginners

6-7 April 2024
13-14 April 2024

Goldfinger is delighted to host Emi Shinmura, an Anglo-Japanese woodworker and designer, for two weekend workshops in Japanese carpentry.

Over the course of two days, you'll discover the ancient techniques and philosophy behind Japanese woodworking, known for its precision and elegance. You'll also learn how to use traditional hand tools, joinery methods, and the importance of craftsmanship.

Whether you're a beginner or already have some experience, this course is designed to develop your skills in the fundamentals of Japanese carpentry, using hand tools to create create beautiful, functional pieces.

All tools and materials will be provided. Feel free to bring your own Japanese tools to try, if you have them.

The cost for a weekend (14 hours over 2 days) workshop is £450. Sign up a friend to receive 5% off.

EXCLUSIVE

Referral offer

Sign up with a friend to receive 5% off.

Get in touch with hello@goldfinger.design to receive your referral discount.

BOOK YOUR SPOT

Our programmes

We share the joy of making through in-school woodworking courses, free career guidance and traineeship programmes, and craft classes for our North Kensington community. We run three programmes throughout the year: Future Makers, Soulcraft, and Manufacto.

16-29 year olds

Future Makers

Future Makers trains young people out of work and education, building their confidence and skills to enter design and craft careers.

We provide free industry-standard career guidance sessions, work placement and traineeship opportunities, giving students an insight into the industry and allowing them to acquire employable skills, develop their creative portfolios, and access broader career opportunities.

Future Makers - May 2024
Register your interest today for our upcoming 5-day traineeship, running between 27th - 31st May 2024, teaching furniture making and design skills.

Adult learning

Soulcraft community courses

Our Soulcraft programme offers sustainable craft workshops to promote wellbeing and social connection in our community through sharing the joy of making. We work with our community partners to offer free spaces to local residents. 

Soulcraft sign making workshop at Lancaster West Estate
Goldfinger craftsperson mentoring a student as part of the Manufacto programme
10-13 year olds

Manufacto

Manufacto brings woodworking into classrooms, introducing school children to sustainable design principles and hands-on problem solving skills.

In this programme, students are guided through the process of crafting their own wooden object, giving them first-hand experience of the artisan’s skills and perspective, as well as the natural materials they work with.

Goldfinger is the official UK delivery partner of Manufacto, run by Fondation d’entreprise Hermès.

Daniele, a Goldfinger Designer Maker, provides instruction at a corporate team building event

Team building experiences

Be a maker for the day with your team at Goldfinger. Choose from our Soulcraft workshops as part of a half-day or evening visit, paired with a delicious lunch or a private dinner provided by our Sicilian chef Panella.

Download brochure

Support the Goldfinger Academy

Support the Goldfinger Academy today to help us continue to share sustainable craft skills, meaningful career opportunities, and the joy of making with our community.