From rekindling an old hobby from his childhood during the Covid-19 pandemic, a woodworker from Durbanville has just been selected to participate in the prestigious Rubio Monocoat Heritage Build-Off Auction 2026.

The work of 12 talented woodworkers has been selected in a nationwide competition that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship while supporting an important cause.

All the work will be auctioned from 1 to 30 September — with all proceeds in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

Morris Knudsen from D’Urbanvale worked as operations manager at a local church in Durbanville for 11 years, before the pandemic struck.

With only online church services for almost a year and him being at home most of the time, Knudsen was hopeful about the next chapter for him and his wife, Franita, known as Fran by family and friends.

He was challenged by friends and family to start designing his own furniture. He also presented classes for children and adults in woodwork at some stage.

Customised furniture

“We had just moved into our renovated home before Covid, and I had the opportunity to build my dream workshop. It was just an amazing time in that I was able to set everything up. I was approached by friends in interior design, who asked for my help to make customised furniture for clients, as all the factories were closed during that time. I took on the challenge and then got the opportunity to also manufacture furniture for their next project. I could not resist the call to a new adventure and so The Makers Shed was born.

“I have been fascinated with making things from a very young age. As a child, I was brought up on a farm and our family business was furniture manufacturing, restoration and refurbishment.

“With access to a wonderland of equipment, a father who never said no and great mentors who crossed my path, I would spend every spare moment honing my skills and making new things. This fascination and love of making things always stayed with me during the many paths I followed in my life journey.

“In a world consumed by mass production, there is something so gratifying in the slow and meticulous process of creating a unique piece from start to finish with our clients,” he says.

Designing own pieces

Encouraged by family and friends, Knudsen also started to design his own pieces. The first was a chair he worked on with a client for six months. He named the chair “The Hanlie” after her, “for her grace to allow me the freedom to design the chair and the patience to wait during the process of getting it right.”

“I am thankful that my passion is my work. I also have a passion for teaching and hope to get classes for children and adults up and running again. My trade is a dying one,” he says.

Old-world charm

“I chose to create an eight-seater dining table from French oak. I love the warmth, character and old-world charm of this beautiful timber — particularly when it is used to create fresh, modern designs. Blending the old with the new is something I enjoy incorporating into both the design and manufacture of our furniture.

“In the spirit of celebrating South Africa’s Heritage Month, I chose to create a table because it represents a place where we gather. As South Africans, so many of our most meaningful moments happen around a table — with family, friends, good food, generous hospitality, and shared memories,” he explains.

He has named the design “The Fran” after his wife of almost 26 years.

“The table resembles her characteristics and reminds me of her. She loves people, entertaining and cooking, and brings us so much joy to be able to feed people good food,” he explains.

Natural beauty

“Every piece (in the auction) will be finished using Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging and the new Oil Plus 2C colours, highlighting the natural beauty of the wood and giving it good protection.

“Rubio Monocoat is a company and product range that I know well and have trusted in my furniture-making for many years. This build gave me a rare opportunity to design and create something entirely from my own imagination.

“Beginning with a completely open brief was both exciting and challenging, allowing the design to develop naturally throughout the creative process,” he says.

Like and follow The Makers Shed on Facebook and Instagram over the next few weeks to follow the story behind the table and the process of creating it.

• Visit https://rubiomonocoat.co.za to view all the incredible pieces and place your bids.​

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