Bespoke Guild Mark and The Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize

Still taking it all in — I’m incredibly honoured that my Gratus Bench has been awarded a Bespoke Guild Mark and The Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize by The Furniture Makers’ Company.

The prize is given each year to the most outstanding piece, and I was lucky enough to be presented with it at the installation dinner at Mansion House, London, by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King DL, and Debbie Johnson, Master of the Company.

The Gratus Bench is made from quarter-sawn bog oak and features a continuous laminated backrest, arms and legs — all formed from 100 veneers — finished with hand-worked bronze. It’s a piece that aims to bring moments of stillness to transitional spaces, and its name, from the Latin gratus, reflects ideas of grace and gratitude.

I designed and made the bench as my first project after graduating from Robinson House Studio. Now based in St Leonards-on-Sea, I continue to be inspired by natural forms, textures, and the quiet intelligence of materials. It’s a huge milestone to receive this kind of recognition so early in my practice — and it means a lot.

Massive thanks to The Furniture Makers’ Company, the Bespoke Guild Mark committee, and to everyone who’s supported me along the way. Excited for what’s next.