Our Story
As a small maker, Stephen is passionate about celebrating the natural beauty of wood. His process emphasizes eco-friendly practices, repurposing offcuts into functional pieces that resonates with lovers of contemporary and mid-century design.
Born in a Welsh mining town in the Rhondda Valleys, Stephen grew up with ambitions of becoming a musician and rock star. Though that dream didn’t materialise, the confidence gained from teaching himself bass guitar laid the foundation for his later pivot to woodworking.
After leaving school, Stephen worked in office and retail sales roles, later moving to Cardiff as a Corporate Account Manager. Seeking new challenges, he relocated to London to further his career. After a decade in the City, he and his partner Leona, along with their beloved dog Harley, sought a quieter life and settled in the seaside town of Eastbourne.
In Eastbourne, Stephen realised the corporate world no longer suited him and sought a more fulfilling creative outlet. Drawn to wood, a material familiar from his bass guitar days, he learnt the basics of woodworking through evening classes. Inspired by the clean lines of mid-century furniture and Scandinavian design, and guided by Leona’s keen eye as a graphic designer, he began crafting Christmas decorations for friends and family.
From their dining room, Stephen founded Harley & Steffan. The following summer, he built a small garden workshop where he designed simple phone stands and desk organisers. Leona’s design sensibility became integral, with every piece subject to her “would she have it in the house” test, ensuring only the most refined and functional designs made the cut.
Stephen discovered a particular love for crafting clocks, which now form the heart of Harley & Steffan’s range. With a deep respect for natural materials, he uses offcuts and minimises waste to honour the wood’s inherent value. He furthered his skills through training with renowned furniture maker John Lloyd and a finishing masterclass with sculptural furniture maker Marc Fish.
Today, Harley & Steffan specialises in handcrafted clocks and homeware, blending timeless design with sustainable practices. Stephen finds joy in creating pieces that bring warmth and character to customers’ homes, always guided by a discerning aesthetic and commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship.