The result of the European election showed that Britain is as divided as ever on the vexed question of Brexit.
Strong opinions are held on all sides of the debate. Should the UK renegotiate Brexit, hold a second referendum, or leave the EU without a deal?
Stephen Barr, originally from Northern Ireland, might not have the answer, but he’s made a piece of furniture that neatly sums up the debate.
Stephen, who first came to the school on a one-week introductory course, has made a “Strong and Stable Brexit Cabinet” that is as equally divided as the government’s own Cabinet.
His two-door cabinet in walnut and Japanese ash depicts the Union Jack on one door, and the EU’s stars on the other.
There is also a deliberate gap between the outer walnut structure of the cabinet and its ash inner.
This represents the gaps between opinion on the vexed Brexit question.
We admire the fun aspect of his cabinet, and the way he has turned a political debate into a talking-point piece of furniture.
It’s not often that furniture can be both topical and humorous, and that lends an additional element of commercial appeal.
In our experience, buyers of fine furniture often want something that is utterly unique, and which immediately can become a focal point for discussion.
After graduation next month, Stephen intends to set up in business as a fine furniture designer in West Lothian.
Stephen’s Brexit cabinet will be shown alongside work from all the graduating students, at a public Exhibition and Sale of Work at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh on Monday 10th June (12 noon – 8pm) and Tuesday 11th June (10am – 8pm).
Picture: Picture of stand-alone cabinet courtesy of Matt Brebner.