When antiques expert John Bly first saw Benjamin Clayton's furniture he knew the craftsman was producing something special. Now Raymond Blanc has given him a major commission for work at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons.

JOHN Bly is used to being asked to look at young craftsmen's work. So when the antiques expert was asked to take a look at a new workshop near Thame three years ago, he wasn't expecting anything too impressive.

John, who is well known for his appearances on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow, recalls: "I walked into Benjamin Clayton's workshop and thought: Wow, this is something special.' I saw raw talent that simply needed help with techniques to make it great like an opera singer's voice that just needs training. It's the difference between talent and something exceptional, and Ben has it."

John was so impressed that he joined the company as a non-executive director. He believes Ben's work has the quality that will result in antiques of the future.

He adds: "Ben's ideas are inspirational and it's huge fun to work with him on projects."

John isn't the only one to be impressed. Local businessman Mike Cottman got to know Ben while he was studying furniture design and cabinet-making at Rycotewood College in Thame. Mike recognised serious talent and came on board as business partner when Ben set up his own workshop in 2001. The young craftsman had spent six months at Lord Linley's workshop in Yorkshire, followed by stints at various workshops around the country to gain as much experience as possible.

Ben, now 27, heads up a team of six cabinet makers and one sprayer at his workshop in Worminghall, near Thame. In these few short years he has become recognised as a designer and producer of top quality furniture, creating bespoke pieces such as sideboards, tables and desks as well as built-in studies, bedrooms and kitchens. Styles range from traditional to contemporary always with a unique aesthetic quality, always revealing the highest standards of craftsmanship.

He has also developed a Signature range of pieces which include side tables, dining tables, chairs and cabinets, each displaying a discreet solid silver Benjamin Clayton signature.

Even outdoor furniture gets the unique Clayton design treatment, including a stunning oak bridge over a garden stream that incorporates ash seating in a wave-like design.

Ben says: "We're striving to be the best. I'm only interesting in producing pieces that are as excellent as they can be. We use only solid timbers and employ traditional methods and specialist skills such as hand-cut dovetail joints, inlaid stringing and applied beading.

"While using the traditional craftsmanship, with modern materials a piece of furniture today can be in some ways better than 200 years ago. We can also put in a little extra attention to detail, like using quality materials and a good finish for the back of a piece of furniture. In the past they couldn't afford the time or materials to do that.

Earlier this year his work was discovered by Raymond Blanc, who immediately recognised the excellence he wanted for his hotel Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons a few miles away at Great Milton. Le Manoir is renowned for Raymond's passion for perfection in every area: not only the food and service, but also the gardens, the decor, and the artwork. Raymond himself chooses the antiques and serious works of art that grace every room of the hotel. It's one of the reasons that Le Manoir has been voted the best hotel in the UK. It's certainly one of the most stunning.

So when the chef hotelier decided to celebrate Le Manoir's 21st birthday this year by redesigning the reception and the beautiful private dining room, he decided Benjamin Clayton was the firm to do it.

Raymond says: "I hate cleverness, I love intelligence. I want to introduce a mood of quiet modernity in our 15th-century manor house.

"It's not about creating a statement or about avant garde designs. I'm looking for a fine line with purity. Complicated simplicity, I call it. I know as an artist in culinary skill that a dish may look simple but, my God, the complexity that goes into it.

"Benjamin Clayton has that quality of sheer aesthetic and classic modernity that I am looking for. He is creating the antiques of tomorrow here and bringing an understated elegance to the redesign of the rooms."

Ben is working on a new theme for the manor's private dining room. He will create new panelling in black walnut round the walls and build a large display cabinet, all set off by huge panels of cut glass.

In the main reception, he is redesigning the desk and creating new panelling and display cabinets in wenge, a stunning African hardwood.

Raymond adds: "I'm always on the lookout for exception talent and Ben has it."

Benjamin Clayton Limited
Wornal Park, Menmarsh Road, Worminghall, Bucks HP18 9PH
01844 338899
www.benjaminclayton.co.uk