I’m very much a materials focused designer. I enjoy choosing wood that complements my designs and aim to use it in a sympathetic way. My style constantly evolves as there are always new techniques and methods to explore and experiment with. However, ...
Locally sourced native timber gives me a wide range tones, grain and character to use in my work.
Biography
Stephen is an Edinburgh based designer-maker of bespoke wooden furniture. He combines traditional joinery techniques and modern production methods in the pursuit of his craft. His work is precise with great attention to detail and is meticulously hand-finished to the highest quality.
Inspired by the philosophy and style of George Nakashima and the clean lines of Mid Century Modern design, Stephen strives for an elegant and simple aesthetic which makes the best use of the timber’s characteristics combined with his own craftmanship. Locally sourced wood gives his work a palette of tones, grain and character that reflect the natural environment and Scottish landscape. Stephen’s work frequently employs contrasting and complementary elements - rough textures against smooth, dark tones against light - making them work harmoniously together. Often using a single piece of wood as inspiration, he creates furniture to cherish for generations.
His portfolio contains examples of work produced in his signature style as well as private commissions produced to fulfil the clients’ brief.
CV
Education
1996 BA Hons, Film & Media Studies, University of Stirling
2005 NC, Furniture Crafts, Jewel & Esk College, Edinburgh
Experience
2006 - 2009: Resident Maker, Woodschool, Jedburgh, part of a small team of self employed designer-makers producing bespoke furniture commissions and speculative pieces.
2009 - 2014: Director & Resident Maker, Real Wood Studios, Jedburgh, co-director responsible for running workshop, sawmill, gallery and timber procurement alongside working as self employed designer-maker.
2015 - Present: Set up own workshop, Unit 10c, Newbattle Abbey Business Park, Eskbank.
Professional Organisations
2013 - 2020: Committee Member, Scottish Furniture Makers Association, active member of committee aiming to promote and support independent furniture designers and makers across Scotland.
Selected Exhibitions
2013 - Present: Group Exhibition, The Annual Exhibition, Scottish Furniture Makers Association, yearly open exhibition held in venues across Scotland.
2016: Group Exhibition, After the Storm, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh & Scottish Furniture Makers Association, (curated by Ian Edwards).
2020: Group Exhibition, Adjust / Adapt, Scottish Furniture Makers Association and Visual Arts Scotland presented by City Arts Centre Edinburgh, (curated by David Patterson, Sarah Calmus, Simon Whatley).
Representation
2018 - Present: White Fox Gallery, Coldstream
2020 - Present: The Whitehouse Gallery, Kircudbright
