Chest of drawers in fumed oak and red Corian
I came to furniture making later in life than most fellow students on my course. Having left a career in political research I signed up for the fifty week designer maker course to pursue a long held desire to make furniture. I did not have any design background or experience – however, the course syllabus was extremely comprehensive with an emphasis on design history and movements. This aspect especially opened my eyes to many makers, designers, artists and architects and their work. The weekly homework sessions and Design Thursday discussions really helped to deepen my knowledge as well as find inspiration. From the outset the course was intensely stimulating with a great mix of classroom study, theory sessions, visiting lecturers, timber yard visits and of course, plenty of hands-on teaching from Marc. Marc’s attention to detail and quest for perfection drove us all on to produce some really impressive results. These ranged from dovetails and chopping boards to trays and boxes. The fully equipped workshop and comprehensive nature of the course meant that we covered modules as wide ranging as french polishing, laminating, MIG and TIG welding, composites and steam bending with Charlie Whinney.
Marc has a relaxed teaching style, this combined with his depth of knowledge, patience and enthusiasm meant everyone was able to develop at their own pace. The skills I have learnt enabled me to create a body of work that is ready to exhibit. I have been accepted to participate at the 2015 Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design which is credit indeed to the teaching at robinson house studio.
In addition to Marc, I would also like to thank Chris Funnell and Danny Maddock for the help and advice they gave me throughout the course. It was a pleasure to study fine furniture making at robinson house studio. I’ll miss the guys but do now feel prepared and excited for the next stage of my journey.
