This year’s Young Furniture Makers exhibition saw the highest number of pieces of work entered in the exhibition’s history. Consequently, visitor numbers soared as they flocked to see the creations on show earlier this month.


Young Furniture Makers Exhibition LogoA record breaking 120 pieces were on display in the Dutch Church and Furniture Makers’ Hall in Austin Friars, London. From GCSE and A level students through to BA and MA graduates, from around the UK, all entered pieces of work into the exhibition.

The Young Furniture Makers exhibition has now been running for over 10 years. Its aims are to provide a platform for students to showcase their work, meet potential employers and gain advice.


Edward Kucewicz and his Gaming Chair
Edward Kucewicz and his Gaming Chair - winner of the Blum Best in Show (higher education) prize

Sponsorship and support

Axminster Tools & Machinery were the main sponsor. Other sponsors included Blue Crush Communications and the Furniture Ombudsman.

At the awards ceremony, Master of the Furniture Makers’ Company, Dr Tony Smart MBE, welcomed guests from across the world of furnishing and design.

Guest of honour Sebastian Conran, CEO of Conran Associates, presented the prizes. Mr Conran commented: “I found the student work exceptionally fresh and inspiring, exhibiting extremely high standards of imagination, discernment and craft normally associated with the output of people with many more years experience and expertise.”


Alan Styles, managing director of Axminster Tools & Machinery
Alan Styles, managing director of Axminster Tools & Machinery

Alan Styles, managing director of main sponsor Axminster Tools & Machinery, said: “On behalf of Axminster I would like to say how delighted and proud we are to support such a well organised and well attended event hosted by The Furniture Makers’ Company. The quality of the design and work is an outstanding tribute to all the colleges and schools involved. This will without doubt inspire students thinking of enrolling on furniture design and build courses, and help to highlight the future of the furniture industry.”

The Furniture Makers’ Company is the British furnishing industry’s charity. Hence, the Company fosters the industry by supporting those in need, nurturing skills and expertise, and championing excellence.