Based on ‘From Hackney to Walthamstow, and 48 years in the making’ - an interview with our E17 neighbours Blackhorse Lane Ateliers.

Blackhorse Lane Ateliers sat down with Tom Spain, Production Manager at VG&P and our sister brand Isokon, whose woodworking journey spans nearly five decades. Starting as a teenage apprentice in the Lea Valley’s booming furniture scene, Tom has seen the evolution of East London’s making culture—from its heyday to its quiet transformations.

Tom’s story is one of commitment to the craft, shaped by experience, resilience, and the enduring values of good design. With a deep knowledge of furniture making and a long-standing relationship with Isokon and its collaborators, Tom brings a unique perspective on what it means to build things that last.