Workshop Renovation Part 1

In the wake of my grandad’s passing in June 2025, I returned to Ireland to breathe new life into his beloved workshop. Untouched since he set down his tools in his eighties, the space is a true time capsule, filled with history, character, and inspiration. Every tool in the workshop tells a story, from vintage hand tools to more modern machinery.

A cluttered workshop buzzing with activity, filled with tools and materials, showcases the ongoing process of renovation and creative transformation.

Clearing out the workshop:

Renovating my grandad’s old woodworking workshop has been both an emotional and practical journey. After years of sitting untouched, the space is gradually being brought back into use — with the aim of creating a working workshop where I can build my own small woodworking business and continue a tradition that means a great deal to me.

One of the first major tasks has been clearing out the workshop. Over the years, items had accumulated that were no longer usable or safe to keep. Old materials, broken tools, and general clutter are being carefully sorted through, with ongoing decisions about what can be saved, repaired, or reused. While some things are ready to be let go, others hold memories of my grandad’s years of craftsmanship and are being set aside with care.

Alongside the clearance, the internal cleaning is continuing. Having been closed up for so long, nature had slowly tried to reclaim the space. Dust, cobwebs, vegetation, and signs of animals that moved in over the years are still being tackled bit by bit. This stage of the process is about working methodically, addressing what’s essential first and learning what the building needs as the workshop gradually opens up again. With each area cleaned, the space becomes safer to work in and more of its original character starts to emerge.

It’s also become clear that treating the workshop for woodworm is an essential part of the restoration. This work forms a key part of protecting the structure and any timber stored within it for the long term. At the same time, I’m exploring storage ideas and solutions, thinking carefully about how tools, materials, and timber can be organised as the workshop continues to evolve. Finding a balance between practicality and respecting the building’s original layout is very much an ongoing process.

As more of the floor is cleared and additional surfaces are cleaned, the workshop is slowly beginning to feel like a place where work can happen again. There’s still plenty to complete internally this year, but each step forward helps lay solid foundations for the work ahead.

Restoring this workshop isn’t just about creating a functional space; it’s about honouring my grandad’s legacy and continuing the tradition of craftsmanship he built over decades. I’ll be sharing regular updates as the workshop continues to come back to life and Chalk & Chisel Woodwork takes shape, one step at a time. There’s a strong sense of history in the space, and bringing it back into use is as much about care, patience, and thoughtful problem‑solving as it is about visible progress. Looking ahead to 2026, I’m hoping to begin some much‑needed external restoration to help preserve the workshop’s character for many years to come.

The workshop is starting to come alive, a space where today’s progress meets tomorrow’s possibilities. Here’s to creating new memories while honouring the old.

For me, this ongoing process reflects how I approach my work — taking the time to do things properly, solving problems with care, and respecting the materials, the craft, and the stories they carry.