Some gents were born to work with their hands. The son of a stonemason, grandson of a carpenter and great grandson of a blacksmith, Aaron Barton is certainly one of them. As a schoolboy, Aaron would spend his weekends making cubbyhouses from salvaged wood and restoring broken bikes and billy carts. But while woodwork was always second nature, he had never considered it a viable career option, instead following the traditional path to university and full-time employment. It wasn’t until a twist of fate led Aaron back to the demolition yard that he rediscovered his passion for unearthing discarded items and transforming them into something of worth.

The self-taught installation and furniture maker took the leap of faith last year, quitting his job to launch handmade furniture company, Backwoods Original. The passion behind the practice is obvious, with fine creations like trestle tables, bookshelves, lounge chairs and lighting fixtures all emerging from the studio. Aaron gathers reclaimed and recycled resources to create new works with low environmental impact, while preserving the unique history and character of every bolthole and every knot in the raw material.

Become acquainted with Backwoods Original at Woolloongabba Antique Centre, Bohemian Decor or Urban Dweller and keep an eye on the Facebook page for announcements of a new e-store and product line, due in November.

Photos via Sean Young / SYC Studios.