Meet the Maker

 

Mike Bateman - Founder and Maker. 

 

Mike is the driving force behind the shop, with a passion for design, engineering, and timeless furniture that forms the foundation of its success.

After returning to the UK in 2016 following a period of work in Australia, Mike set up his own workshop and began experimenting with a variety of materials and ideas. Drawn to furniture and design, his background in engineering gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to create pieces that are not only visually striking but built to last for decades.

His first piece, a coffee table for a family member, marked the beginning of his journey into the world of furniture-making.

Today, from his workshop in the heart of East Yorkshire, Mike works closely with the stone worktop industry, supplying safe and sturdy table bases to fabricators across the UK. He embraces a low-quantity, high-quality approach, ensuring each piece is crafted with exceptional care and attention to detail.

Outside of the workshop, during his spare time, Mike enjoys F1, motorsports, travelling, fitness training, biking, photography, and live music events.  

 

About Tilia Creations

• Small, independent business - 1-2 employees!
• Based near Hull, UK
• Designing and building heavy-duty metal table bases since 2017
• All design and fabrication is done in-house
• Made to pair perfectly with natural and engineered stone tops
• Every product is made-to-order based on the sizes and colours listed on our website
• Built with care, precision, and a focus on clean, timeless design
• We work closely with our trade partners who help with powder coating and haulage
• Proud of our strong relationships and high-quality craftsmanship


Why the name 'Tilia' and where does it come from? 

During primary school, Mike entered a competition to name a street on a local housing development. He and another student suggested that the two streets be named Lime Close and Lime Walk. However, to avoid confusion with another street in the village, Linden - another common word for lime (tree) - was finally decided upon. Fast forward to 2017, using the word Linden, Mike and a family member delved into a search for a short, uncommon, brand-worthy name. And from it, Tilia was created. 

Here's the elaboration:

• Tilia is the Latin genus name for a group of deciduous trees commonly known as lime trees (not related to the citrus fruit), linden trees, or basswood.
• Lime (Tilia) is another common name for the Tilia genus, especially in British English