A one-day practical course exploring materials, properties and possibilities
With Marc Fish
Understanding materials is fundamental to good furniture design and making. Therefore, this one-day course explores the science behind the materials we use, how they behave, why they sometimes fail.
This course aims for better understanding of material properties and the new creative possibilities they can open.
Led by internationally recognised designer-maker Marc Fish, the course looks at actual materials from Marc’s extensive collection whilst drawing on his experience of working with traditional and innovative materials. Marc will show experimental finishes and materials the studio has worked with over the years.
We will investigate the structure and properties of wood, including grain direction, moisture movement, strength and flexibility, before exploring adhesives, resins, metals, composites and modern finishing systems. Students will gain an understanding of how different materials respond to stress, temperature, humidity and ageing, and how these characteristics influence design decisions and construction methods.
The emphasis throughout the day will be on discussion and student questions rather than complex scientific theory, encouraging students to question conventional approaches, experiment with unfamiliar materials and develop a greater understanding of what is possible.
Topics covered
- Wood science: Cellular structure, grain direction, moisture movement, strength and dimensional stability.
- Adhesives and bonding: How different glues work, surface preparation, bond strength and common causes of failure.
- Resins and polymers: Epoxy, polyurethane and other modern materials, including curing, flexibility, UV resistance and ageing.
- Metals and composites: Understanding the properties of aluminium, steel, carbon fibre and other engineered materials.
- Material testing: Discussion about experiments, exploring strength, flexibility, adhesion, longevity, aging and failure.
- Finishes and protection: How coatings work, their limitations and the effects of environmental exposure.
- Creative applications: Combining materials and using their individual properties to develop innovative designs.
Who Is This Course For?
Suitable for furniture makers, designers, craftspeople and students who want to develop a deeper understanding of the materials they work with.
No previous scientific knowledge is required.
The aim of the day is simple: to help you make better-informed decisions, avoid common material failures and discover new possibilities through a greater understanding of material science.
Marc Fish
Booking:
Cost £175. Dates are 4/12/2026 and 28/6/2027.
Bookings open shortly.
