About
Francis Tan embodies the spirit of self-made craftsman, forging his unique path through Singapore’s traditional craft landscape. Describing his journey as “the long way round”, Francis has cultivated his skills independently since youth, developing an unconventional approach that sets him apart from formally trained artisans.
His diverse background in construction has become his greatest asset, bringing fresh techniques and innovative perspectives to time-honoured practices. Francis’s versatility is remarkable and he seamlessly transitions between paper effigy making, intricate woodcarving, and delicate lantern painting, each discipline demanding distinct skills and sensibilities. His reputation for excellence across multiple crafts has made him a sought after artisan.
