Despite a turbulent year, the Chippendale International School of Furniture’s class of 2020 put on a stellar display of their work at our Graduate Exhibition & Sale in October.
Our yearly show is the opportunity for graduating students of our furniture school in Scotland to show the fruits of their labour following nine intensive months on the Professional Course. This year’s show was especially significant, highlighting both our 35th year and the resilience of our students in the face of Covid-19 challenges.
Taking it online
We knew that, because of Covid restrictions, fewer visitors than usual would be allowed to attend the event. That’s why, for the first time ever, we launched the show virtually as well as in person! This proved a hit, with people admiring the graduate designs from far and wide across our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels, as well as on our website.
On display were the designs from our 20 graduates, with visitors having the opportunity to purchase the final pieces too. It was a testament to the excellence of our graduates that so many sold a number of their pieces across the four days of the event.
You can take a look at the online Exhibition here.
Highlighting student success
After the exhibition was wrapped up, we then held a graduation ceremony for the students with friends and family joining on a zoom call. Special awards were also given out to highlight those students who really shone throughout the last year.
Our Student of the Year for 2020 is Tom Powell, who designed and made some exceptional furniture pieces on the Professional course this year. It was a difficult decision with Fran Bullinger, Stewart Musk, Richard England and Jason Hicks all making strong claims.
The furniture that Tom designed and made demonstrated such a high level of technical ability, being beautifully simple as well as utterly functional. He had a clear idea of what his signature style was from very early on in the course and that was apparent when admiring his exhibition stand.
The branding of his new business, Moidart Woodwork, is clean, contemporary and strikes the right chord with the buying public. That was clear to see from the success he had in selling the furniture that he made on the course. We are also delighted that he will be staying on with us to launch his business from our graduate workshops, Myreside Studios.
There were also more woodworking school awards announced, with James Bullen winning Student’s Choice, chosen amongst the students themselves. Best Design went to Fran Bullinger for her outstanding Forest Cabinet, while the Marketing award went to Richard England. Finally, visitors to the exhibition voted for Stewart Musk as Public’s Choice this year.
Looking to 2021 and beyond
Although we are sad to see our 2020 graduates leave the workshop, we are excited to welcome a new group of Students to our woodworking school for our 2020/21 Professional Course, which kicks off in November. We look forward to seeing their skills sharpen and creativity thrive over the coming months – watch this space for updates on their progress!
If you would love to make a career out of woodworking, check out the Chippendale School’s intensive 30-week Professional Course and don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions.