IN THE MAKING The conversation behind bespoke work with Andrew Jonathan Griffiths and OTZI. Ideas that are sitting in your head. They can feel real but often remain there. We followed Andrew Jonathan Griffiths to Norfolk leather workers OTZI to see how he works with makers to bring ideas to life and explore the beauty of bespoke furniture design. Helen Westlake Scheme Editorial April 26, 2026 | 5 min read This story was produced in partnership with OTZI as part of our ongoing series exploring British craftsmanship and bespoke making. Andrew Jonathan Griffiths of London-based studio A New Day has arrived at OTZI’s Norfolk workshop with a drawing – or something in the vicinity of one. “I would be over-selling it by calling it a sketch,” he admits. His idea is for a pair of bespoke bedside tables, based on a piece he’s seen and wants to use as a starting point: OTZI’s taper table, a solid timber form wrapped in bridle leather. It’s very lovely, showcasing traditional leatherwork and lacing, with a hardwood top. “We love collaborating with British makers, where you can see the hand in the product. When you’re putting their pieces in people’s houses, you know the story and resonance behind it,” he says. From there, and as always happens with the best collaborations, the conversation takes over. “We love collaborating with British furniture makers, where you can see the hand in the product.” Andrew Jonathan Griffiths, A New Day The side ‘Taper Table’ by OTZI provides the inspiration for a pair of bespoke bedside tables. Photography by Otis Ingrams and Phoebe Attfield-Renee Listening to the material OTZI’s founder Otis Ingrams has worked leather for years on beautiful heirloom pieces for, amongst others, design house Chloé. “We will always listen to what the material tells us to do,” he says of his small, passionate team. It’s helped them to push the boundaries of leather, where his workshop pairs age-old techniques with traditional joinery. “For our taper tables, for example, leather was where its character was found,” he explains. Andrew’s idea for the bedside tables is a suede body with a contrast blanket-stitch. Otis works through options, exploring how laminating the drapey suede onto a recycled substrate could give it structure. A leather circle inlaid into the timber top is Andrew’s addition, somewhere to rest a glass and a note of contrast. Full thickness suede to be cut, laminated and wrapped at OTZI’s workshop. Photography by Otis Ingrams and Phoebe Attfield-Renee “We will always listen to what the material tells us to do. For our taper tables, for example, leather was where its character was found.” Otis Ingrams, OTZI OTZI sources their leather from, among others, Billy Tannery, a first of its kind small-batch UK tannery run by a friend, Jack Millington, where wild deer hides – a byproduct of deer culling to prevent damage to native ecosystems – are processed with full-grain integrity. “Most commercial suede is split, but once you start getting to the higher end of suede, you’re using the full thickness of the hide,” says Otis. “You’ve got the full strength of it.” These bedside tables should, in other words, take some living. Ideas finding their form Both Andrew and OTZI have done enough of this to know what makes a collaboration work – and what doesn’t. The commissions that land well are the ones where neither party is simply executing someone else’s vision. “Quite often it’s the ideas that come to you in conversation that are better and have a different interest,” says OTZI. “You’re able to pivot and shift – apply slightly different techniques or different materials – and give a piece a totally different feel. It’s incredibly rewarding.” For Andrew, that means coming prepared but not fixed; bringing ideas, and staying open to what emerges. “You’re bringing your thoughts. They’re bringing amazing expertise and skill. Knowing you can create something together – that’s the most exciting part.” Otis Ingrams of OTZI and Andrew Jonathan Griffiths of A New Day. Photography by Phoebe Attfield-Renee “Quite often it’s the ideas that come to you in conversation that are better and have a different interest.” Otis Ingrams, OTZI The finished bespoke bedside tables will take a taper form in fumed timber, wrapped in full-thickness chocolate suede with a blanket-stitch detail down the side, finished with a red leather circle inlaid in the top – making the conversation part of the object itself. “The level of detail and backstory – like where that hide was from – is what makes it special,” says Andrew. “It makes you think about materials more, and interact day to day with pieces differently than if you’re just buying something off the shelf”. In the maker’s workshop, an idea finds its form. The Edit LEARN MORE ABOUT OTZI OTZI Mochi Easy Chair – Shearling £4,100 OTZI Rhapso Cabinet Enquire OTZI Log Basket Enquire OTZI Cinch Woven Chair Enquire OTZI Taper Side Table Enquire OTZI Assembly Basket Enquire OTZI Rosette Mirror £1,600 OTZI Lay Coffee Table £6,100 OTZI Cinch Woven Bench Enquire OTZI Gasket Coasters Enquire OTZI Rhapso Credenza £18,850 OTZI Billet Picture Frame Enquire