Alan Peters, British furniture maker, dies at 76

Alan Peters, who was a celebrated furniture designer, master craftsman and teacher, died Oct. 11 in his hometown of Minehead in the British county of Somerset. To a generation, he was considered by many as Britain's foremost furniture maker.

Peters, 76, was known worldwide for his simple, understated, yet clearly distinctive modern furniture designs and also for his tireless efforts as a teacher, writer and assessor. Those who met him were touched by his generosity and knowledge. His 1984 book "Cabinetmaking: The Professional Approach" is considered a classic reference book.

Peters began an apprenticeship with Edward Barnsley in 1949 and became one of the few direct links with the Arts and Crafts Movement pioneered by William Morris. He received numerous awards through the years, including the Order of the British Empire in 1990 for his services to furniture design.

For more about Peters, see the December 2009 edition of Woodshop News.