Evolution of Tradition debuts at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour
Evolution of Tradition, a new exhibition of contemporary bespoke furniture designed by some of the UK’s most distinguished craftspeople, debuted at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour from 2-5 October.
The event was the result of a collaboration between The Furniture Makers’ Company and a London-based livery firm, who came together for the first time to host an exhibition of luxury furniture designed and made purely by Bespoke Guild Mark holders.
The Bespoke Guild Mark, awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company, is the highest accolade for designer-makers, recognising excellence in design, materials, craftsmanship and function for quality pieces of furniture.
“Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour believes in the importance of investing in future talent and specialist skills,” says Claire German, Managing Director, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. “We support creative expression across the design agenda and were delighted to host Evolution of Tradition, showcasing the work of bespoke British furniture makers in association with The Furniture Makers’ Company.”
Amongst the line-up of established names and new talent from the British craft scene were Matthew Burt, Byron & Gómez, Jonathan Field, Marc Fish, Tim Gosling, Alun Heslop, Edward Johnson, John Makepeace, Rupert McBain, Laurent Peacock, Jake Phipps, Angus Ross, Rupert Senior, Katie Walker and Waywood.
Attracting designers, architects, international collectors and style-seekers, the Evolution of Tradition exhibition generated a deeper understanding of design with a specially curated events programme that includes talks, workshops, demonstrations and discovery tours.
Richard Williams, Chairman of Bespoke Guild Mark, The Furniture Makers’ Company, adds: “With its strong roster of designer-makers, all brilliant, renowned names, Evolution of Tradition was undoubtedly be an unmissable event for buyers that demonstrated the world-class mastery of Bespoke Guild Mark holders.
“Every item put forward for a Bespoke Guild Mark was stringently vetted and examined to ensure every aspect of the piece was well considered and represents the absolute pinnacle of British craftsmanship. Buyers will be hard-pushed to find another exhibition of designs from a collective of so many accomplished designer-makers.”
