CHIPPENDALE SCHOOL SHOWCASE
The Chippendale School Graduate Exhibition 2020
Despite the upheaval caused by Covid-19, our annual Graduate Exhibition and Sale was able to go ahead in 2020. Our yearly show is the opportunity for our graduating students to show the fruits of their labour following nine intensive months on the Professional Course.
We showcased the students’ fine furniture designs both at the school and online through our virtual show on our website between 14 October and 17 October 2020.
Graduate Exhibition Showreel
In 2020, due to the global pandemic, we held our first virtual show. The work was outstanding as always from the 30-week course graduates. Have a browse below…
It’s Showtime!
Tom Fraser School Principal kicks off the show with a mini school tour and show walk-through.
Group 1
Featuring work by:
- James Bullen: Poplar in Hackney, Compass Rose, Surfer, Windsor Chair
- Constance Graesslin: Dovetail Chair, Cabinet on Legs, Shelves mounted on a table
- Alastair Smith: Superlifter, North Star, The Sakura
- Trimaine Bothma: Crow’s Nest Coat Rack, Vaggie, Doll’s House Playset
- Samuel Brilz: Harvest Moon Table, Vaulted Wing Desk
Group 2
Featuring work by:
- Jason Hicks: Tonbo Cabinet, Ori Bench, Kirra Coffee Table, Ripple Drinks Cabinet
- Tom Powell: Dovetail Coffee Table, Longship Bench, Braid Side Tables, Yakisugi Bird’s Table, Wonky Stool, Dovetail Shelving, Wedges Shelving System
- Manuel Kalo: Table, Extension Table, Twisted Box, 2-legged stool
- Hugh Ainsworth: Occassional Table, Drinks Cabinet, Chess Table, Butler Tray, Piano Console & Stool, Cheval Mirror
Group 3
Featuring work by:
- Richard England: Winzer, Whisky Cabinet, Selette, Pointe
- Bret Johnston: Extending Stacked Coffee Table, Chisel Box, Melting Table
- Alice Caundle: Wedge Tables
- Sam Alton: Just in time, Planetary Desk, Learning Curve, Nox Reclaimed
- Stewart Musk: Lantivet Music Stand, Desk, Buchaille Bee Box, Stool, Windsor Chair
Group 4
Featuring work by:
- Rob Goodburn: Locking up carbon, The Kneeling Maiden, Les Jumelles, Fonction Habitude Ladder X
- Fraser Harley: Mirror, Day Bed, Full Circle, Set of stools
- Darren Phillips: The Tiger and Dove, The Market Garden Cabinet
- Fran Bullinger: The Forrest Cabinet, Ripple Coffee Table
- David Marshall: Crafting Box, Metamorphic Table
Student Awards
Tom Powell was awarded Student of the Year for the exceptional furniture that he designed and made on the Professional Course.
Tom Fraser, School Principal says: “The furniture Tom designed and made demonstrated such a high level of technical ability, it is beautifully simple as well as being utterly functional.”
Further awards announced on graduation day are as follows:
- Student’s choice: James Bullen
- Best Design: Fran Bullinger
- Marketing: Richard England
- Public’s Choice: Stewart Musk
Chippendale Student Stories
Testimonials
9 months goes by pretty quickly! I have made many friends for life and learned skills that would be more difficult to gain elsewhere, as well as a lot of practical knowledge in woodworking skills and business.
I’ve really enjoyed my experience at the Chippendale School. The Professional course takes commitment and focus, as we are learning about a huge range of woodworking and design skills within a nine-month period.
We have a lot of creative freedom here and we have round-the-clock support from our woodworking tutors. It’s great to be following a path that makes me feel fulfilled – every day I go home happy.
We have a lot of creative freedom here and we have round-the-clock support from our woodworking tutors. It’s great to be following a path that makes me feel fulfilled – every day I go home happy.
My grandfather inspired me to become a furniture maker. I used to help him with his woodworking projects when I was a kid, and since then I’ve wanted to make this my career.
At the Chippendale School I’ve particularly enjoyed the design elements of the course. Although I had worked with wood before, I didn’t know how to design a project from scratch. We have worked with a drawing tutor who has shown us how to design things. After I graduate, I want to start my own furniture business back in the States.
At the Chippendale School I’ve particularly enjoyed the design elements of the course. Although I had worked with wood before, I didn’t know how to design a project from scratch. We have worked with a drawing tutor who has shown us how to design things. After I graduate, I want to start my own furniture business back in the States.
With no prior experience, I truly wasn’t certain how the course would go: leaving my career and moving to Scotland for the year was a huge leap of faith. But I deeply believe that with no risks, you get no magic. I took a big risk and received so much magic in return.
Count the cost. Take the risk as the potential rewards are massive but know the reality of what you’re doing. Success won’t be immediate or certain, but you will gain confidence, learn so much about yourself, and be welcomed into the most fun and supportive community of woodworkers.
It was an adventurous experience for me which has opened up a new world of opportunity. I made good friends, met great tutors and used the best machinery in the best environment!
The past nine months have been fantastic and intense in all sorts of ways. The greatest advantage of being in the full-time course environment was having access to the incredibly wide-ranging knowledge of all the tutors. This made every day an opportunity to ask as many questions as I could and absorb as much information as possible.
My experience at the Chippendale school was excellent. I have left feeling confident to make essentially anything out of wood. If you are looking to elevate your abilities to the utmost professional standards, this is a fantastic option.
Studying at the Chippendale School has been an intense and enjoyable learning experience. I have gained a wealth of new skills and knowledge in a highly encouraging and creative environment.
ARRANGE A VISIT
If you are looking to embark on a career change or you have an interest in the art of woodworking and furniture design, get in touch and arrange a visit.
Find Out More About Our Courses
30 WEEK COURSE
Our professional course is ideal for those looking to pursue a career in fine furniture design and making. With 30 students, starting each year in October, taught by an in-house team of tutors and a range of visiting experts.
10 WEEK COURSE
This intermediate course is the right choice for those looking to advance their existing skillset. With a syllabus that consists of a series of set projects, each packed with learning outcomes, the course is intensive and intimate with only 8 students to 3 tutors.
4 WEEK COURSE
This course is for those who wish to come and design and make a piece of furniture. With a maximum of 4 students, these courses are popular with hobbyists and fill up fast. The complexity of the design will be dictated by the individual student’s level of experience.
1 WEEK COURSE
Ideal for beginners, the introductory course covers a wide range of woodworking fundamentals. This is great way to get a taste of the teaching environment at Chippendale and is a popular choice for those interested in the 30-week professional course. Other 1-week courses include wood bending techniques, upholstery and restoration.
WEEKEND COURSES
