The Chippendale International School of Furniture near Gifford is throwing its doors open for its Student Exhibition on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th of June (6-8pm). This is an opportunity for visitors to see and buy the amazing pieces of furniture created by the students.

Hand-crafted, bespoke kitchen designed by Anselm Fraser Furniture

The renowned Chippendale International School of Furniture runs intensive nine month furniture making courses in all aspects of furniture design, making and restoration, limited to only 20 students each year.  The Furniture School attracts students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, from America and Asia, to Europe and the UK. Hobby level short courses in wood working techniques are also offered.

Anselm Fraser, who founded the Furniture School in 1985, is regarded as one of the UK’s leading exponents on the art of furniture making. Through Anselm Fraser Furniture, he also designs, makes and restores furniture in East Lothian using air-dried, locally sourced wood.
Anselm and his specialist team build hand crafted kitchens, design bespoke furniture and restore antique furniture. He says that “No project is too big, small, complex or odd!”

Kitchen designed and hand-built by Anselm Fraser Furniture

Tara McIntosh, a recent graduate of the Furniture School, who set up her own business ‘Twiggd’ making big bright wooden jewellery and furniture in the School’s Business Incubation Centre, says:

“Without a doubt the best thing about the course is the fact that you are completely immersed in it. It’s so busy and demanding, most people are living near the furniture making School, many sharing.

“You eat, breath, talk, live, practically nothing else for 9 months. It was difficult at times but amazing! The most intense but best 9 months of my life.

Furniture designed by Tara McIntosh at the Chippendale School of Furniture

“The course highlights for me were: carving and gilding; marquetry; learning about types of wood, the practical things about wood (timber technology); and when Anselm Fraser set his eyebrows on fire!

“The tutors on this course are fantastic. Having spent around 6 years as a student in creative studio environments at art schools I probably have more to compare it to than students from other backgrounds. The level of skill and expertise is superb and the time they spend with you, helping and experimenting on things, was just amazing.”

The student exhibition on 13th and 14th of June (6-8pm) is at The Chipppendale International School of Furniture, Myreside Grange, Gifford, East Lothian EH41 4JA. More information is available from: www.anselmfraser.com, 01620 810680 or www.chippendale.co.uk