Local Talent
Two furniture makers and a lamp designer are among a wealth of local artisans
by Brian Falk
In a mass-produced world, handcrafted products are special. When those products are made with the creativity and craftsmanship of artisans, they become treasures. Charlotte is blessed with an abundance of these artisans, many of whom work quietly, out of the spotlight, producing unique pieces of great quality. Burch Heirloom and Neal Johnson, Limited have each been in Charlotte for about five years, and both have begun to make names for themselves. Their quality products are drawing a faithful following.
Marcus and Josh Burch are fourth-generation furniture makers. “Our father learned from our grandfather, who learned from our great-great uncle,” says Marcus. He and Josh began learning from their father, a physician at Duke University, when they were boys, using the lathe to make baseball bats. “l fell in love with making furniture,” Marcus remembers.
Now they continue the family tradition in their shop in south Charlotte. “It’s all custom,” Marcus says, “mainly furniture that people know they want but can’t find. We’ll design a piece based on what they have in mind. They’ll bring pictures or sketches or just measurements of what they want. l’ll show them pieces we’ve done and different types of wood, and we can work on a design.”
The brothers make tables, entertainment centers, and bookcases, but they do some unusual projects as well. “One l really enjoyed was a paneled library where we coffered the ceiling and the walls and built bookcases,” Marcus recalls. “The whole room is like a big piece of furniture.”
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