Young Furniture Makers Exhibition 2024

Published 1st October 2024

The Young Furniture Makers Exhibition is set to return to the City of London on 2 October 2024, providing a unique platform for aspiring designer-makers to showcase their talents. Organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, this one-day event will highlight the innovative work of students from GCSE level to recent graduates, connecting them with industry professionals eager to discover fresh design talent.

This year's exhibition will feature the Young Furniture Maker Awards, which serve as the student equivalent of the prestigious Furniture Makers’ Guild Marks. These awards recognise excellence in furniture design and craftsmanship, attracting a high volume of competitive entries each year. The most impressive designs, as selected by a panel of judges, will be displayed at the exhibition.

Engaging Talks and Awards

The exhibition will also include a series of insightful talks from industry experts, including:

Bill Amberg - Leather Types and Techniques in Furniture Making

Dids Mcdonald & Gabriella Charlton-Little - Creative Rights in Furniture Design

Jo Knight - Design for Environmental Impact

Malcolm Walker - Next Steps After Finalising a Design

Gabriella Charlton-Little, Thomas O’Neill & Claire Anderson - Early Stage Careers in the Industry

The awards presented during the event will include:

Bespoke Award (sponsored by Axminster Tools): Celebrating exceptional craftsmanship in pieces with a clear purpose.

Design Award (sponsored by NaughtOne): Recognising high standards in furniture design intended for mass production.

Textile Award: Honouring outstanding pieces that creatively incorporate textiles.

Apprentice Award (sponsored by Achieve and Partners): Acknowledging exceptional work by apprentices.

Additional prizes will include the School Design Prize (sponsored by KI), Best Chair in Show Prize (sponsored by MEON), and the Best in Show Prize (sponsored by Blum).

For more information about the Young Furniture Makers Exhibition visit their website.

This event promises to be a remarkable showcase of creativity and innovation, shaping the future of furniture design in the UK.