Local kitchen maker proves Britain's got talent

Colchester-based kitchen designer and craftsman Richard Davonport has been named as one of the national greats in a luxury magazine feature celebrating the best of British design. Still not yet 40, Richard Davonport has been running his bespoke kitchen company Davonport since 1995, with a showroom in the heart of Colchester.

His initial passion for design was sparked when he collected off-cuts of timber near his home and began experimenting with his father's hobby lathe, turning small bowls and boxes.

Since those humble beginnings the quality of his work has established his position in the industry, affording him the accolade of being one of eight designers in the country included in an exclusive feature in leading home interiors publication Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom magazine.

With the eyes of the world on all things British in the year of a historic Royal Wedding, the UK's number one luxury interior design publication is celebrating the best of British design in its May issue. Ronnie Whelan, the magazine's editor, says 'We were ultra fortunate in getting together in one room for the first time ever, a group of innovative designers who run some of the most successful British kitchen companies.'

Commenting on his company's appearance in the magazine, Richard Davonport said: "We take a great pride in our skilled craftsmanship at Davonport and feel that the products we produce epitomise everything that is good about quality British manufacturing. Our team of skilled cabinet makers combine the latest technology with traditional woodcraft and finishing skills to create kitchen cabinets of the highest quality. "Being named among the good and the great of British kitchen manufacturers by Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom magazine is a great honour."

For more information about Davonport, visit davonport.com.