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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.

Classes

Open Workshop - Tuesday

Josh Cohen

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$950

Open Courses

Due to the high demand of these classes and priority enrolment given to existing students, ongoing class availability is limited. If you are interested in participating in an Open Workshop class please fill out the enquiry form below. We will get back to you with current availability options.

Presented by Alastair Boell and Lionel Seibert

This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. There are a number of classes to choose from. Classes are limited to 8 students and there are 9 - 11 classes per Term, with 4 Terms per year. 

If you are unsure of an appropriate project, our instructors can advise you on suitable projects and skills. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.

Please enquire for future class availability

Instructors
Alastair Boell.jpg
Alastair Boell

Alastair Boell was awarded a Bachelor of Education (Arts and Crafts) at Melbourne University, majoring in ‘Furniture Making’ in 1990. A month after graduating, he moved to Japan, where he taught English and made furniture for his own pleasure for eight years. While living there, he became heavily influenced by the Japanese design aesthetic.

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Lionel Seibert.jpg
Lionel Seibert

Mainly passionate by transferring his knowledge of traditional French woodworking and marquetry techniques, Lionel also believes that in this fast world of production it is sometimes important to stop and take the time to use, share and enjoy these old-style techniques when working with such a pure and fine material such as timber.

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2026 Dates

TERM 1 2026 - Tuesday 27th January to 31st March - (10 lesson course)
TERM 2 2026 - Tuesday - 21st April to 23rd June (10 lesson course)
TERM 3 2026 - Tuesday - 14th July to 15th September (10 lesson course)
TERM 4 2026 - Tuesday - 13th Oct to 15th December (10 lesson course)

Morning with Alastair Boell – 9:00am to 12:00pm
Afternoon with Lionel Seibert - 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Evening with Lionel Seibert - 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Location
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.
14 Cottage St, Blackburn

 
 
categories Open Courses
tags Tuesday