The next generation of furniture designers and makers were celebrated at the Rycotewood Furniture Awards, held at City of Oxford College and University Centre last night (25 June).
The prestigious event highlighted the exceptional craftmanship, creativity and skill Rycotewood students bring to their work.
Rycotewood Furniture Centre has delivered training in Oxfordshire since 1938. Located at City of Oxford College and University Centre since 2004, it’s an internationally renowned Centre of Excellence offering vocational training for people seeking careers in furniture design and making.
Visitors who attended the event at the Oxpens Road campus included industry representatives, Rycotewood learners and alumni, and their families.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of work including coffee tables, asymmetric chairs and wall hangings. They also got to meet the makers and discover the ideas and inspiration behind each piece.
The celebrations were opened by Gary Headland, CEO of Activate Learning, before speeches were given by Rycotewood Furniture Centre staff and prizes presented to the winning students.
Rycotewood learners were presented with several awards which are supported by founding alumni to current stakeholder sponsors, rewarding the very best talent and expertise in this highly skilled and specialised area.
Congratulations to this year’s Rycotewood Awards winners:
- Laurie Turner Award Outstanding achievement in Design Studies: Ben Cairns-Foster
- Lazenby Award, Best Example of Making: Freddie Corbyn
- Harris Cup, Outstanding achievement in Design History: Ben Cairns-Foster
- Jane Muir Award, Most imaginative use of materials: Tyler Rudge
- Dr Anthony Buxton Award, Best BA research project: Merrick Allard
- Liz Raymont Trophy, The best newcomer: Rhea Douglas
- Bo Korting Award, For Accuracy and precision: Josh Dovey
- Michaelis Cup, Excellence in modern craftsmanship: Merrick Allard
- Ercol, Design and manufacture of seating: Sinéad Ambrose
- William Hands Production Award, Making and Production: Toby Bradshaw
- Guyll-Leng Trust Award, Outstanding Achievement: Gunnar Saastad
- Guyll-Leng Trust Award, Learner Journey: Oskar Wahlen
- Apprentice newcomer: Freddie Harris, NEJ Stevensons
- Apprentice of the year: Stanley Mackintosh, Bill Clyendert & Co
- Most innovative use of Latham’s product: Seb Jones-Fontaine
- Furniture Makers Company Award Best in Show: James Castle.
Josh Hudson, Rycotewood Furniture Lead at Activate Learning, said: “Each year, the Rycotewood Furniture Awards and Summer Show are an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding creativity, craftsmanship and dedication of our learners.
“The quality of work on display reflects not only the exceptional talent of our students, but also the passion and commitment they bring to developing their skills.
“I’d like to congratulate all of this year’s award winners and everyone who exhibited their work. It has been fantastic to see our learners push the boundaries of design and making while building the knowledge, confidence and technical expertise that will support successful careers in the furniture industry.
“A huge thank you as well to the staff at the Rycotewood Furniture Centre. Their dedication and commitment are unwavering.
“We are incredibly proud of everything our learners have achieved and look forward to seeing where their talents take them next.”
Find out more about Furniture programmes at City of Oxford College and University Centre or contact Activate Learning via 0800 612 6008.
