The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, announced the winners of its Young Furniture Makers Awards and Prizes at the 2024 Young Furniture Makers exhibition earlier this month.
The Young Furniture Makers exhibition took place on Wednesday 2nd October at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church in Austin Friars, London.
Almost 70 designs from emerging designer-makers were exhibited at the inspirational one-day event, which was set up over 15 years ago for school children, students and graduates to showcase their work to the design community and connect with potential employers.
In addition to the striking furniture and lighting on display, guests and exhibitors were treated to five short informative seminars that formed a Talks Programme.
The anticipation and excitement of the exhibition built throughout the day with the event culminating with a drinks reception and the announcement of the 2024 Young Furniture Makers Awards. Hundreds of people packed out the Dutch Church to hear which pieces had been named top of their category, with special guest John Makepeace OBE, one of the UK’s preeminent furniture makers, announcing this year’s winners.
The winners of the awards were:
School Design Prize sponsored by KI: Nautical Bench by Madaleine Richardson
Apprentice Award, sponsored by Achieve and Partners: Wrapped Grain Walnut Tambour Record Cabinet by Stanley Mackintosh from Bill Cleyndert + Company
Bespoke Award, sponsored by Axminster Tools: Oomugi – a Japanese Whisky Shrine by Ed Ryland
Design Award, sponsored by NaughtOne: ‘Torsion’ Dresser Sideboard by Tom Wilkinson-Dix
Textiles Award, sponsored by House of Sonnaz: Cove by Eva Ellis
Best Chair in Show Prize, sponsored by Meon by Gaze Burvill: Verne Easy Chair by Kevin Tronel
Best in Show Prize, sponsored by Blum: Diamond + Pearls Chair by Tomer Arad
Fast Track Prize, sponsored by F.I.R.S.T MW: Cove by Eva Ellis
During the prizegiving, Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, presented John with a handmade commemorative box to mark his 40 years of dedication to the Company.
Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: "The Young Furniture Makers exhibition once again highlighted the outstanding and extraordinary design talent present in the UK. We are deeply thankful to our exhibition and award sponsors, whose continued commitment makes this inspiring event possible every year. I would especially like to express my gratitude to our principal sponsor, Tizo Limited, for their generous support."
John Makepeace OBE, guest of honour, said: “It was exciting to see a variety of innovative ideas but also an impressive level of craftsmanship, both in wood and fibre.”
Ed Ryland, winner of the Young Furniture Makers Bespoke Award, said: "Being recognised among the many incredible talents showcased at this year's inspiring Young Furniture Maker exhibition is a true honour. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone at Waters and Acland for patiently transmitting their passion for creativity and craftsmanship through expert tuition and unwavering support.”
