The Curator Collective | The Furniture-Maker Who’s Fixing Her Own Mind

When Baldwins customer Harriet Donnithorne witnessed her husband Ben sustain a brain injury, she turned to creating her own furniture to help her deal with her trauma.

18 months on, her work has been so well-received that she's been able to give up her previous job and start running her company - The Cornish Rae - full time.

[edwardgoodwin]

Absolutely marvelous that you and your husband have come through this trauma in your lives, very inspirational for other people to see how the both of you have come through your mental and physical turmoil, it certainly helps when you find another focus in your life to help you mentally and physically.

[GrumpysWorkshop]

Thats exactly why i started my youtube channel. Had some rough times & hit rock bottom. Even took an overdose. Ive always liked diy & making stuff so i built my small workshop & now make videos. I love making stuff & finding uses for scrapwood. It really helps keep my mind feeling positive

[eiranoconnor]

Wonderfully inspirational. I’ve suffered a number of serious trauma over my life time, leading to CPTSD and severe anxiety. Therapy never really works for me because I just can’t talk about the things that have happened. I’ve been toying with the idea of making ‘mindfulness beads’ (jewellery for meditation) and you have inspired me to go for it! Thank you 🙏🏻❤️ blessings to you guys ❤️🙏🏻

[promosolo]

A really lovely and rather heart breaking and heart warming story. Thank you for sharing and best wishes :)

[SomethingFromTheShed]

This is what im going through at the moment. I suffer from disociative seizers which have caused me to loose my job and my drivibg license. I couldnt even drive my little 5yr old girl to her 5th burthday party. Now im using woodworking to help ease and relax my mind. Its clears my mind like nothing else could. Well done to you and your hubby.

Keith

S.F.T.S

[suziegreer]

I suffer from trauma and memory problems so I can understand but just to let you know it doesn't stop there I also like broken things usually people well I am getting back to helping broken people like my husband and I have in the past I look up to you because you're giving it out to the people's and you aren't crumbling under foot wich is something I have done too many times. THANK YOU YOU MAKE ME FEEL A WHOLE LOT BETTER I AM AN ASPERGIAN AND I HAVE CHRONIC FATIGUE.

[catherinehughes]

May God continue to watch over you both, good to know Ben is doing much better.
One day at at time is all we have .
God bless you both and the pup x

[atonomical]

Big respect for you and Ben. Rugby injuries are never fun... I've never had head damage before though. Nice to see you making stuff and doing what you love! :)

[deniselancaster]

Thank you Harriet. Your story is wonderful and hopeful to all those who struggle and live with anxiety. I looked up the company. Wonderful products. I've asked for a mag/catalogue to be sent to my door, to sit down and enjoy a good read, and hopefully send for some of their amazing natural products.

[polenit]

Nice work best wishes from sunny Devon and yes it’s raining again today

[GregorianChatter]

I'm jealous of Ben. He was able to develop a healthy relationship with a girl who adored him so much that she stayed with him even after his accident. Good on ya, Ben. And nice desks, Harriet, you seem to know your work and used your tragedy to make a new you, something that's really rare for most people.

[terrytopliss]

Pleased to hear your husband is recovering from his injures, I think you have chosen well in taking up woodwork. You seem to have what it takes to hopefully make a living out of it. Check out some of the lady woodworkers on UTUBE. Best of luck for the future.👍👍👍

[stuartwray]

Did she have prior experience of making furniture?; did she already have the tools and work area?; didn't she enrol on a college course?