A tradition of furniture-making has endured in North Yorkshire and traditional craft skills have been kept alive. Treske was founded by John Gormley at the old Maltings in Thirsk in 1973, when his first production designs were influenced by the Scandinavian furniture which was then popular.
He was also aware of continental design from the twenties with its emphasis on materials, cubic and rectilinear forms and functionality.
The American Shaker style also affected the design of his classics, some of which are still available at Treske today. They are characterised by solidity and strong, simple forms which allow the beauty of the woods to shine through.
Later John Gormley commissioned the leading British and international designers Dinah Casson, Vico Magistretti and Max Holba to add new pieces to the range and bring fresh ideas to staple items.
Since Justin Bartlett bought Treske in 2000, he has been continually assessing and refreshing the range of furniture and designs on offer. He has updated the use of computer and other design technologies and addressed environmental and ecological issues relating to the responsible and sustainable sourcing of woods.