Good furniture design can simply be about making something that is entirely functional.

Great furniture design is about injecting that extra bit of creativity that turns the ordinary into something absolutely bespoke.

That’s what Matthew McGlone, originally from Manchester but long-time resident of Scotland, has achieved with his elm and stained oak side table.

It was completed after “three weeks of manic work” – and, as far as we’re concerned, it was three weeks well spent!

Matthew has incorporated sinuous and dramatic gaps down each of the side table’s doors.

It’s a design flourish that gives the piece originality and dollops of character.  It echoes the design of a table he previously made.

Matthew is someone who has had a long-term fascination with wood.  It’s an interest that goes back to a childhood spent bush-crafting in woods, and fashioning spoons from small pieces of wood.

He’s also something of a wordsmith, with a degree in English Literature from the University of St Andrews.  He also has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Stirling.

Wild Wood Furniture

He’s planning is to set up his business, Wild Wood Furniture, from incubation space at the school.

These workshop spaces allow graduates to start up for themselves, with full access to the school’s equipment and machinery.

We’ve also recruited Ben Dawson, the internationally-renowned furniture designer and maker, to the school as Design Tutor.  He’ll have a supporting role to help our incubation entrepreneurs find their feet.

It’s a level of support unique to the Chippendale school, and our commitment to help alumni as much as we can.

Ben’s career as a furniture designer and maker spans five decades.  He’s worked internationally for corporate, public, institutional and private clients.

A graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, he won The Andrew Grant Postgraduate Scholarship and The Andrew Grant Travelling Scholarship.

Ben is also a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, Freeman of The City of London, and Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.