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14 Cottage St
Blackburn, VIC, 3130
Australia
0413 537 490
The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking was founded by Alastair Boell in 2007. After graduating from the world renowned North Bennet Street School, Boston (USA) Alastair felt that there was a great need in Australia for an educational facility that focuses on traditional skills.
The Guild is committed to preserving and advancing craft traditions in furniture making. We are also committed to promoting a greater awareness and appreciation of
craftsmanship. In our classes we emphasize the skillful use of hand tools and power equipment and an informed use of appropriate materials. We are passionate about what we do and want to share information, ideas and skills with all our students young and old, from beginner to advanced.
$2300 AUD
Thur 13th to Mon 17th August 2026
Presented by Hugh Anderson
The MGFW is introducing the Borge Mogensen ‘Spanish Chair’ to Australia with a 5-day course covering advanced joinery and leatherwork, allowing participants to choose premium timbers and Italian leather colours for a standout, comfortable chair.
Every Wednesday evening
$990.00 AUD
15th July to 16th September 2026
(10 week course)
Presented by Lee Gratton
North Bennet Street School in Boston is one America’s oldest ‘Artisans’ colleges. It was established in 1881 and runs a total of 7 different programs, one of which is a prestigious 2 Year Furniture Making Course.
Every Wednesday evening
$650.00 AUD
22nd April to 24th June 2026
6:30pm - 9:30pm
(10 week course)
Presented by Wanda Gillespie
Join contemporary artist and woodcarver Wanda Gillespie for an immersive evening of carving. These open classes are designed for all levels — whether you’re beginning your first carving project or developing an existing one.
Read MoreEvery Tuesday evening
$2200.00 AUD
7th July to 15th December 2026
(22 week course)
Presented by Mike Blood
The ‘Shaker Nightstand’ course represents the perfect course for the beginner.
$2440.00 AUD
Mon 5th to Sun 11th October 2026
From 9am to 5pm
(7 day course)
Presented by Jon Grant
This is the Melbourne Guild’s fifth Continuous Arm chair resulting from Peter Galbert’s teaching visit to Australia.
Every Wednesday evening
$1030.00 AUD
14th October to 16th December 2026
(10 week course)
Presented by Lee Gratton
This elegant Natural Edged Bench offers a satisfying taste of chair making with the convenience of it being scheduled every Wednesday evening for a single term (10 week course).
$790.00 AUD
Fri 19th to Sun 21st June 2026
(3 consecutive day course)
Presented by Alastair Boell
In this 3 consecutive day Beginner’s course, you will make this stunningly elegant hexagonal Kumiko Box made from Walnut and Maple or Celery Top Pine. It is one of the prettiest pieces on offer and certainly packs a punch in terms of woodworking skills learnt in a short period of time.
$430.00 AUD
Sunday 26th July 2026
Presented by Eddy Toffeletti
French Polishing is a traditional finish where you apply thin layers of Shellac onto timber to bring out the subtle beauty held within.
BEGINNERS WELCOME
$890.00 AUD
Fri 3rd to Sun 5th July 2026
(3 day course)
Presented by Alastair Boell
You will learn how to make a mallet, marking gauge, dovetail marker and a double bevel marking knife. These 4 tools represent an essential kit for anyone interested in fine woodworking.
Thur 9th July to Sat 11th July 2026
$990 AUD - FULL
NEXT COURSE: Vacancies
Fri 20th to Sun 22nd November 2026
Presented by Alastair Boell
This Perch is a great opportunity to introduce you to the world of ‘Windsor’ chair making and the techniques associated with this iconic style.
Sunday 19th July 2026
$460 AUD
Presented by Matt Stonehouse
‘Shaker Oval Boxes’ are recognized artifacts of Shaker life and work.
Sunday 12th July 2026
From 9:00am to 5:00pm
(1 day course)
$430
Presented by Alastair Boell
This is a very comprehensive one day sharpening course. The importance of this topic is ALWAYS overlooked to the detriment of your furniture making.
Fri 12th to Mon 15th June 2026
$2100 AUD
Presented by Hugh Anderson
The Roorkee Chair belongs to the genre of Campaign Furniture. In the days of empires, there was a need for rugged, sturdy and simple furniture for military campaigns.
Sat 7th to Sun 8th November 2026
$860 AUD
Presented by Alastair Boell
Learn this delicate and sophisticated technique of assembling wooden pieces without the use of nails. Thinly slit wooden pieces are grooved, punched and mortised, and then fitted individually using a plane, saw, chisel and other tools to make fine adjustments.
TERM 2 2026
20th April to 29th June 2026 (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950
This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.
Presented by Mike Blood, Alastair Boell and Lionel Seibert
Read MoreTERM 2 2026
21st April to 23rd June (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950.00 - 10 week course
This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.
Presented by Alastair Boell & Lionel Seibert
Read MoreTERM 2 2026
22nd April to 24th June 2026 (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950.00
This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.
Presented by Alastair Boell
Read MoreTERM 2 2026
23rd April to 25th June 2026 (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950
This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.
Presented by Mike Green & Peter Kruithof
Read MoreTERM 2 2026
18th April to 4th July (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950
This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.
Presented by Lionel Seibert and Alastair Boell
Read More