Tag: Chippendale International School of Furniture

East Lothian woodworking school marks 40 years with Graduate Exhibition and Furniture Sale

The Chippendale International School of Furniture, a globally recognised woodworking school based in East Lothian, Scotland will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 with a milestone 40th Graduate Exhibition and Fine Furniture Sale, taking place between 12 – 14 June. 

The much-anticipated event will showcase exceptional hand-crafted furniture from this year’s graduating cohort, which includes students hailing from Brazil, Hawaii, Edinburgh and beyond.  

Founded in 1985 by Anselm Fraser, the school has become a hub for aspiring furniture makers worldwide, where traditional woodworking techniques inspire contemporary furniture designs and exquisite one-off pieces.  

Now led by his son, Tom Fraser, the school’s flagship nine-month Professional Course has produced some of the most exciting woodworkers on the scene, from Ewan Ogilvie of Ogilvies of Haddington to Kevin Tronel of Wedge Designs, winner of the Best Chair at the 2024 Young Furniture Makers exhibition. 

Covering everything from woodturning and CAD to business skills, the 9-month course seeks to equip students with the skills to launch their own furniture making business. The graduate exhibition is a culmination of over 1400 hours of studying, tuition and craftwork.     

Tom Fraser, Principal of the Chippendale School, reflected on the anniversary: “We have welcomed students from around the world to our Professional Course for decades, and yet each year I am amazed by the talent and determination of our woodworkers. 

“This year’s exhibition not only showcases the immense skill of this year’s graduates but also pays homage to the generations of woodworkers that have passed through our doors.” 

Founder Anselm Fraser added: “When I first established the school, I dreamed of creating a space where talent could grow. Seeing this vision come to life through the hands of these aspiring woodworkers has been incredibly rewarding.

“The 40th exhibition is a celebration of their stories and those before them.” 

Event Details 

The public is invited to explore the exhibition and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces at the school’s East Lothian campus.  

This year the school will welcome North Berwick’s Steampunk Coffee and The Big Blu Artisan Pizza from Dunbar, keeping guests fuelled with delicious coffee, cakes, and pizza while they explore the collection. 

Date: 12–14 June 2025  

Location: Chippendale International School of Furniture, East Lothian 

Admission: Entry is free, but all visitors must book a time-slotted ticket in advance via Eventbrite. 

For those unable to attend in person, the Exhibition will also be showcased online via the School’s website, Facebook, and Instagram channels. 

Prestigious woodworking school offers fully funded bursary for young Scots

World-renowned woodworking school, the Chippendale International School of Furniture, is once again offering aspiring furniture makers in Scotland the opportunity to attend its popular 10-Week Course free of charge.

The third ever to be offered, the Ronnie Guild Bursary covers the full course fees for young people in Scotland who are passionate about woodworking but face financial barriers to entry.

Fine furniture making is often an expensive career or hobby, with costs increasing as skill sets expand to include the use of machinery, specialised tools, and premium materials.

The Chippendale International School of Furniture, founded in 1985, has taught woodworking to countless students from all walks of life, including retirees, career changers, and school leavers. In recent years, the school has also worked to make woodworking more accessible through its bursary program.

The 10-week course, running from 12 May to 18 July 2025, offers hands-on experience in woodworking and fine furniture making.

With personal guidance from expert tutors in a fully equipped studio and world-class resources, students gain the confidence to either pursue a career in woodworking or continue on their path toward becoming expert craftspeople.

Gregor Hogg, the bursary recipient from last year, shared how the experience changed his life: “The bursary gave me the opportunity to train in an amazing environment with some of the world’s best woodworking tutors.

“My time at Chippendale was truly life changing. It gave me the skills, confidence, and industry knowledge to pursue a future career in woodworking, something I’d always dreamed of.”

For young woodworkers who may not have had the means to pursue formal training, the Ronnie Guild Bursary offers a unique opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading woodworking schools.

How to Apply

  • Open to Scotland-based applicants under 30
  • Full tuition fees covered – transport, accommodation, and living expenses are not included and must be self-funded
  • Application deadline: 31 March 2025

Apply now via our application page. 

Chippendale School 2024 Graduate Exhibition & Sale

The Chippendale International School of Furniture proudly announces the return of its eagerly anticipated Graduate Exhibition & Fine Furniture Sale, taking place in June 2024. 

This will be the 39th annual showcase for the renowned institution with expectations high for an extraordinary display of fine furniture crafted by this year’s graduating cohort of talented makers.

From Thursday 13 June to Saturday 15 June 2024, visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to witness an array of exceptional pieces meticulously crafted by those on the intensive 30-Week Professional Course.

Known for its international reputation for kickstarting the careers of skilled woodworkers, the Chippendale School’s Professional Course equips aspiring furniture makers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the industry, covering everything from design techniques to marketing strategies.

The 2023/24 course cohort boasts 30 exceptionally talented students hailing from all over the world, from the Dominican Republic to Germany, Holland, France, Canada and the USA. 

Among the spotlighted makers is Kevin Tronel from France whose matching pair of mid-century easy chairs and vinyl record cabinet, both made from Oak, are a perfect example of the joy in putting a contemporary twist on a traditional style. 

Also gracing the exhibition is Maria Hensley from the UK, presenting her hallway bench in Oak and Danish woven cord. Attendees can also marvel at the striking fluted column cabinet in Sycamore made by Chlomo Hutcheson from Edinburgh.

Tom Fraser, Principal, commented: “Our annual Graduate Exhibition is a testament to the dedication and talent of our Professional Course students.

“Year after year, we are inspired by the creativity and ingenuity displayed in their final designs.

“This event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the finest emerging global furniture design talent and even take home a piece that captivates them.”

Pizza and coffee on the day will be provided by local Edinburgh and North Berwick businesses Pizza Geeks and Steampunk Coffee. Admission to the exhibition is free, with advance booking of time slots required.

Visit Eventbrite to secure your spot: 

Register on Eventbrite

For those unable to attend in person, the Exhibition will also be showcased online via the School’s website, Facebook, and Instagram channels.

Experiential Christmas Gifting: Weekend  Woodworking Courses

The Chippendale International  School of Furniture’s weekend woodworking courses are the  perfect choice for those seeking a unique and experiential  gift this Christmas. 

Our weekend spoon carving and woodturning courses offer an  ideal introduction to woodworking for the craft-obsessed,  located just 30 mins outside Edinburgh in the beautiful East  Lothian countryside.  

Consumers increasingly value meaningful experiences over  material possessions, with recent statistics indicating that  33% of consumers plan to treat their friends and family with  memorable experiences in 2023 (KPMG). 

Perfect for a DIY-mad partner or crafty parent who has it all,  these courses offer a one-of-a-kind gift that will leave  memories that last a lifetime – and maybe even inspire a new  hobby!  

Where: 

The Chippendale International School of Furniture, Gifford,  East Lothian, EH41 4JA 

What: 

Weekend woodturning course: A fun and informative course  designed for those who want to dip their toe into the world of  woodworking! Students will learn the basics of woodturning and  joinery, and will create a small stool/plant stand over the  two days.

Weekend spoon carving course: Louise Forbes’ renowned spoon  carving classes are the perfect quirky gift for a DIY  enthusiast! Students will carve a small salt spoon and coffee  scoop, plus salad servers or alternative spoon of their choice  over the two days. 

All tools and materials are supplied on both courses. 

Cost: 

Weekend Spoon Carving Course: £295 

Weekend Woodturning Course: £400 

Book here:  

https://chippendaleschool.com/furniture-making courses/weekend-courses/