We've had lots of questions about our name. Exactly who are Temple & Webster?



William Temple and John Webster were convicts who came to Australia in the 1800s. They were also artisans: Temple was a carpenter and Webster was a 22 year old carver and gilder. We have some information about what they looked like, but no pictures - the image above is our own little flight of fancy!

Governor Macquarie spotted their talent and commissioned them in about 1820 to create two carved ceremonial chairs for Government House. They used design inspiration from England, but created the chairs from the materials available to them in Australia, right down to using kangaroo fur for the upholstery. Governor Macquarie loved their work so much he gave them both their freedom shortly afterwards. Great design and hard work set them free, literally.

Temple & Webster were among Australia's first fine furniture designers, craftsmen who collaborated to create something special, and enduring – the chairs have survived and are still in Australia. We love their story, and it inspires us every day. We can't promise you kangaroo fur, but we're working on bringing you the best in contemporary Australian design.

If you'd like to learn more about us or about how it all works, come and visit.