About Us

Butterfly Furniture was established in 1983 by Andrew Conning, following his decision to become an independent cabinet maker. His training and background, a passion and aptitude for woodworking at school and serving a five year apprenticeship at Acorn Industries in Bransby, North Yorkshire, were the perfect platform from which to launch his business.

Andrew is passionate about his work. For him it’s not just a job, it’s a way of life and all the family are involved. His work is all about producing pieces that will last a lifetime or even longer, destined to become family heirlooms. Each piece is hand crafted from carefully selected timber, constructed with meticulous attention to detail and finished to the highest standard.

The butterfly, from which the company gets its name, was chosen as the emblem/logo for the business for its elegant simplicity. Hand-carved onto every piece produced, it conveys the distinctive quality of the work that Butterfly Furniture creates.

From humble beginnings (the original workshop was an 18×24 foot wooden shed), Butterfly Furniture now operates from a purpose built, climate controlled, fully equipped workshop occupying a part of the site where the Conning family live in Tancred near Whixley, York. The business is very much a family affair, with Andrew at the helm, son Ben apprentice-trained under his father and City & Guilds Level 3 qualified in Furniture Production assisting and wife Helen taking care of the administration side of things.

Careful selection of timber prior to the production of a piece is crucial to ensure the quality and durability of the finished work. Properly seasoned timber is purchased from local timber merchants, who ensure it is sourced from properly managed and renewable forests around the world. Once delivered to the workshop, all timber is left in the temperature-controlled environment, simulating domestic home conditions. As wood is a living, breathing material, it needs time to become stable and uniform before it can be transformed into your bespoke piece.

Butterfly Furniture has a diverse customer base and produces a wide range of work; from bespoke pieces of free-standing furniture, through fitted units for kitchens, bedrooms and living spaces, to high-end joinery work such as staircases and doors. Other services offered include design and technical drawing, supply of appliances as required for areas such as kitchens, provision of upholstery materials and sourcing of upholstery work where necessary.