Claxton Stevens Prize to Christopher Hughes

Bespoke Guild Mark holder Christopher Hughes has been awarded the annual Christopher Claxton Stevens prize for excellence at our recent Installation dinner.  Christopher received his prize from the Representative Lord Mayor Fiona Woolf.

Christopher’s design, Tallboy, was selected for its outstanding craftsmanship and quality. The Tallboy received Bespoke Guild Mark number 453 in 2014.

Chris studied three-dimensional design at Bournemouth University, before deciding to specialise in designing and making one-off pieces of furniture. Since graduating from Parnham in 1993, he has been working in Acton, producing contemporary commissions for private and corporate clients.

“I love the story of 20th century design, from the Arts and Crafts movement onwards, and I strive to make beautiful, useful and well-made objects that enrich our everyday lives. The function of a piece is always the starting point.

“Beauty of form evolves from this, marrying with thoughtfully chosen materials and well executed construction to create something to be cherished and used for generations.

The story of the Tallboy, which was to stand in an entrance hall, started as a brief for something much lower, with storage and a seat for tying shoelaces. Over time, the client decided against the seat, in favour of greater storage, after which it grew taller and narrower by degrees.