As the 2025 Graduate Exhibition and Fine Furniture Sale approaches, we’re excited to introduce the final cohort of graduates whose work will be on show.
In this final blog, we highlight the talented makers in Ben and Matty’s tutor groups—a diverse group of students who have each brought fresh ideas, bold experimentation, and personal vision to their furniture designs.
If you haven’t done so already, book your free ticket for the Exhibition here.
Ben’s Tutor Group
Dominic Grasso
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Dominic Grasso began his career as a commercial disputes lawyer. He thrived on the intellectual challenges of problem-solving and was dedicated to helping clients navigate complex legal issues, demonstrating keen attention to detail and a strategic mindset. This experience cultivated his analytical skills and patience—qualities that would later inform his work as a furniture maker.
Dominic often felt a need to express his creativity, which led him to explore furniture making as a fulfilling hobby. He soon fell in love with the craft, transitioning to a second career designing and crafting bespoke furniture. He believes that the skills he developed in law—such as precision, problem-solving, and patience—are highly transferable to furniture making, enabling him to approach each piece with meticulous care and thoughtful design.
Now based in Scotland, Dominic is establishing his own bespoke furniture business, where he will take on custom commissions and produce a range of signature pieces that celebrate both form and functionality. His dedication to craftsmanship and innovative design aims to provide unique, high-quality furniture for clients who appreciate artistry and individuality in their living spaces.
Ellen Baines
Ellen trained as a theatrical carpenter at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating in 2014. She then embarked on a freelance career, building sets and props for television, theatre, and various events. Throughout her work, she has contributed to an array of projects across the UK and Europe, creating everything from entire fake towns to sets for the Muppets.
Over time, Ellen noticed a growing contrast between the disposable nature of the theatrical industry and her own desire to create lasting items, which ultimately led her to Chippendale. As a climber and outdoor enthusiast, she draws inspiration from her lifestyle. Ellen has started to develop a contemporary style that reflects the natural world.
Jorge Martinez-Martin
Jorge has always enjoyed working with his hands. His love for Lego and tinkering with the world around him has led him to believe that “the best way to learn is to make.”
He began exploring furniture making by watching YouTube videos and experimenting with small projects around the house. Soon, he decided he wanted to enhance his skills, which prompted him to enrol on the Professional Course at Chippendale.
Upon graduation, Jorge plans to continue learning about the craft before eventually opening his own furniture-making business back home in California.
James Gascoigne
James began his career in the Royal Navy, then spent 18 years working in transport finance, mostly shipping and aviation. However, as an Architecture graduate, James’ long-held interest in design could not be suppressed forever, and when an opportunity to join Chippendale’s Professional Course came along, it was a “no-brainer”.
James draws on influences from art and architecture to create furniture which has a definite sculptural quality. In James’ case, form seldom follows function. Although his work is not devoid of practicality, he prioritises the highest quality workmanship and visual drama to create stand-out furniture imbued with playfulness and a sense of fun.
James has established ‘the cabinet office’, which is focused on the design and production of one-off and limited-edition pieces created to make you feel good and look younger!
Lughan Carr
Lughan came from a successful career in Michelin-starred kitchens and organic farming. It was while cooking in some of London’s top restaurants that he developed a strong sense of precision and creativity in his craft. Later, he transitioned to organic agriculture, where he grew food and managed farms. This experience deepened his connection to materials, processes, and the environment. His furniture reflects a respect for natural forms, honest construction, and practical utility.
Upon graduating, Lughan plans to start a furniture business in West Cork, focusing on sustainable, small-scale craftsmanship.
Matty’s Tutor Group
Ellie Hylland
Ellie Hylland, a proud native of Portland, Oregon, has always believed that creativity knows no bounds. After spending a year and a half working in interior design, she has fully embraced her passion for furniture design. As a lifelong explorer of various styles and aesthetics, each one has left a unique mark on her creative journey.
Now, Ellie is excited to launch her own furniture business, Lage, where she combines these diverse influences to create distinctive, one-of-a-kind pieces that inspire and leave a lasting impression.
Gary Dunham
Having worked for the family business for almost two decades, Gary decided it was time to pursue his passion for woodworking. Inspired by arts and crafts furniture, his designs explore the contemporary context of that traditional style. His furniture has sustainability at its core, working with local hardwoods such as Ash and Oak coming from forests and a stone’s throw from the workshop.
Gary will rent a bench in Myreside Studios after the course, where he will be taking on commissions. At the same time, he will work on the renovation of his home near Dunbar, where one day he’ll have a workshop.
Gavin Forsyth
Gavin was born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, but has been living in Latvia for the last couple of years with his wife and children. Since 2022, he has transitioned between careers as he aims for a more intentional, family-oriented life.
He started on the Professional Course with no substantial experience, aside from some minor DIY projects. However, he has discovered a passion for detailed handwork using chisels and hand tools. This newfound interest has drawn him to furniture styles that emphasise those skills, particularly the “Arts and Crafts” movement. His goal is to continue making and selling furniture from a homestead workshop. You can follow his journey on Instagram.
Rhys Valere
Rhys began his woodworking career back home in Trinidad & Tobago, as an apprentice for a local furniture making business. Wishing to further expand his skills and explore his passion for woodworking, he decided to take the leap and enrol on Chippendale’s Professional Course.
Rhys’ furniture is inspired by his West Indian heritage, with a vibrant sense of fun and colour. Following the course, Rhys plans to return home to seek employment.
Richard Atack
After years in investment management, Richard took a new path — one rooted in craft and natural materials. Based in East Lothian, he enjoys working with local oak and ash, drawn to their durability, character, and connection to the landscape.
At Pegasus Workshop, his focus is on simple, lasting design, guided by the grain and shaped by the timber’s natural qualities. Alongside expanding his interior portfolio, he’s developing a few outdoor pieces — well-crafted and robust enough to handle the full mood swings of the Scottish climate.
Interested in attending the 2025 Graduate Exhibition and Fine Furniture Sale? Book your free ticket here.