“The sense of community feels like walking into a warm hug”
The path to furniture making isn’t always linear. In fact, recent Chippendale graduate, Chlomo Hutcheson, came to the school with a background in performance art. After enrolling on our 30-Week Professional Course in 2023 and graduating earlier this year, Chlomo remains at Chippendale, now renting a bench at our Myreside Studios as he grows Rowan & Rose, a business he started with his sister, Pheobe.
We had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with Chlomo to learn more about why he chose to study at Chippendale, what he gained from the experience, and his hopes for the future.
How did you discover the Chippendale International School of Furniture, and what drew you to it over other woodworking programmes?
I discovered Chippendale through a friend, who did the course 10 years ago. I felt inspired seeing him transform his love of woodwork into a career.
How has your education at Chippendale shaped your approach to woodworking and design?
My time on the Professional Course has completely transformed the way I approach woodworking and design. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of materials, joinery, and finishes, which has made me more thoughtful and precise in my work. Design isn’t just about looks, it’s about creating functional, lasting pieces that connect with people and fit seamlessly into their lives.
Ben Dawson, my design teacher, was incredibly inspiring, helping me understand that what makes a good design is the “fairy dust” you add to your work—the little details that make it unique. He pushed me to discover what makes my work different and to find my own style. The attention to detail and the importance of sustainability have also become key aspects of my process. Above all, Chippendale has helped me blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Can you share a memorable project you worked on at Chippendale?
One of the most memorable projects I worked on was a column I made from a beautiful piece of maple wood, topped with a wood-turned urn pot. This piece drew inspiration from my hometown, Edinburgh, where the architecture is amazing – especially the grand columns that adorn many buildings. I wanted to create something fun and unusual that would add a playful element to my work while also reflecting that architectural beauty.
Woodturning was important to me because it’s a skill I’m very passionate about developing. Ben was again instrumental in guiding me through the entire process. As someone who is dyslexic, I found his approach particularly helpful. He worked closely with me to create a visual framework that made the design process clearer and more accessible. We started with 3D cardboard models to explore shapes and proportions and then transitioned to creating a detailed, rendered design in Fusion 360. Ben’s support and insight were invaluable in helping me build both the technical skills and creative confidence I needed to bring my vision to life.
How would you describe the sense of community at Chippendale, and how it has impacted your career?
The sense of community feels like walking into a warm hug. Despite the initial apprehension of meeting 30 new people, it’s incredible how quickly you connect and form bonds.
The supportive environment at Chippendale allows students to express their ideas and take risks. With students at different skill levels, the tutors ensure that each group has a mix of beginners and more experienced individuals, which is incredibly beneficial. This setup allows us to learn from one another, and with 30 students on the course, it gave me the opportunity to experience 29 different design perspectives and approaches to furniture design.
I’ve learnt so much from my fellow students, and the collaborative workshop environment, combined with fantastic tutors like Ben, have been key to helping me discover my own unique style and understand the principles of good design.
What key lessons have you taken away from your time at Chippendale?
Graduating from Chippendale has had a huge impact on my ability to contribute to the local furniture-making industry. I truly valued every lecture, each one a key part of my journey, and found them essential for expanding my knowledge. The teachers were incredibly supportive, especially when it came to ensuring I fully understood things like the safe use of machinery. Their guidance made me feel confident throughout the process. I made sure to take detailed notes on the lessons that stood out to me, knowing they’d be helpful down the road. A memorable school trip to explore local trees gave me a deeper understanding of grain direction, which has really influenced my design process. The knowledge I gained about using the right tools and sourcing materials has prepared me to craft high-quality, meaningful furniture. I’m excited to bring my passion and skills to the local market and make a real contribution to the community.
How has your time at Chippendale influenced your involvement in Edinburgh’s crafts community?
The school is so well connected that I had the chance to meet many talented individuals who offered valuable insights into the local craft scene. While at Chippendale, we were encouraged to come up with our own business names, and I started a business with my sister called Rowan & Rose. Just three months after graduating, we held our first exhibition, which was a fantastic success, largely thanks to the marketing skills I gained at Chippendale. This experience has really inspired me to engage with and contribute to the community.
How has the network you built at Chippendale helped you establish yourself in the Edinburgh/Lothians woodworking scene?
The network I built at Chippendale has been essential for establishing my presence in the Edinburgh/Lothians woodworking scene. Connections with fellow students and instructors have led to collaborative projects and exhibition opportunities, while the guidance I received from industry professionals has helped me navigate the business side of woodworking and effectively promote my brand, Rowan and Rose.
What advice would you give to aspiring woodworkers in the Edinburgh area looking to follow in your footsteps?
My best advice is to immerse yourself entirely and embrace the learning process. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes; they are valuable lessons that will help you grow. Take advantage of local workshops and connect with the woodworking community. Be open to experimenting with different styles and techniques, as this is how you will discover your own style. Most importantly, stay passionate and enjoy the journey!
In the future, would you consider doing another course at the Chippendale School or elsewhere?
Absolutely. My experience at Chippendale was incredibly enriching, and I feel it helped me refine my skills and deepen my understanding of design and craftsmanship. I’m particularly interested in exploring advanced techniques in woodturning or perhaps delving into other materials and methods that could enhance my furniture-making practice. Continuous learning is important to me, and I believe that further education would help me develop my style and expand my business, Rowan and Rose.
A huge thank you to Chlomo for taking the time to speak to us.
If you would like to explore more of Chlomo’s work, you can check out his business on Instagram, @rowanandrosedesign or attend his upcoming exhibition; 22nd – 28th November at the Whitespace Gallery, Edinburgh.
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Are you interested in pursuing a career in woodworking? Take a look at our 30-week Professional Course to see how you too could become a fine furniture maker.
