OUR CLIENTS
Barnsley Workshop
Specialist designers and makers of furniture for private homes and public spaces, sold worldwide.
Showcasing craftsmanship, culture, and history.
The Edward Barnsley Workshop, based in Petersfield, Hampshire, is one of the UK’s leading furniture workshops with a heritage stretching back over 100 years.
Known for its uncompromising standards of design and craftsmanship, the Workshop continues the legacy of Edward Barnsley and trains new generations of furniture-makers through its apprenticeship programme
The brief
Barnsley Workshop wanted help to share its story more widely - not just the finished furniture, but the people, the processes, and the cultural legacy behind every piece, to have this is a backbone to selling pieces of furniture across the world.
Their challenge was clear: how do you take a workshop rooted in tradition and translate its depth, authenticity, and craftsmanship into engaging digital storytelling?
Our approach
Storytelling through social media management
We created regular content that highlighted not only finished commissions but also the people and processes behind them. From intricate design features to the cultural history of the Workshop, each post was crafted to balance expertise with accessibility, making complex craft engaging to a wider audience.
Videography and photography
We produced a library of high-quality photography and videography showcasing every layer of the Workshop’s work. This included close-up process demonstrations, interviews with designers and apprentices, and storytelling pieces about timber sourcing, traditional tools, and the heritage of the Workshop buildings themselves - all turned into social media content that resonated with audiences across the world.
Showcasing people and apprentices
The apprenticeship programme is at the heart of the Workshop, and we made it central to the content. Videos and posts regularly featured apprentices, giving audiences insight into the skills they were learning, the challenges of fine furniture-making, and the human stories behind the craft.
Turning craft into compelling digital content
Complex processes such as laminating, veneering, or shaping were transformed into short-form videos and posts that audiences could easily engage with. These not only demonstrated skill but positioned Barnsley Workshop as thought-leaders in the craft furniture space.
Results
Our work with Barnsley Workshop has helped to build a strong and growing online presence that reflects their reputation in the industry.
Increased following across social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where visual storytelling resonates most strongly with craft and design audiences.
Significantly higher engagement rates on process-driven content and apprentice features, with audiences responding strongly to “behind the scenes” posts.
Growth in brand awareness within both the furniture industry and broader design circles, with Barnsley Workshop increasingly recognised online for both its cultural heritage and its skilled craftsmanship.
Stats showing growth from Jan 25 - Aug 25, compared to the previous 9 months before that.
By working closely with the workshop, we not only share the beauty of the furniture they create but also celebrate the people, heritage, and processes behind it.
The Local Marketing Company has helped Barnsley Workshop bridge the gap between tradition and modern storytelling, strengthening its reputation as one of the most respected names in British furniture-making.