Inspire the next generation – sponsor a School Design Prize

We are appealing for companies to inspire the next generation of designers and furniture makers by supporting our 2018 School Design Prize fundraising campaign.

Launched in 2014, the School Design Prize raises awareness of the furnishing industry among school children by rewarding them for their design & technology course work.

Every year The Furniture Makers’ Company asks companies and individuals to sponsor copies of a design textbook which are then posted to schools around the country for design & technology teachers to present to their most outstanding student.

For 2018, the prize is changing to a copy of ‘Design of the 20th Century’ by Charlotte and Peter Fiell, published by Taschen.

Dr Tony Smart MBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “The UK furnishing industry has an ageing workforce. The long term prosperity of the industry depends on us attracting young people to pursue a career in this creative, vibrant sector. You can help safeguard the future of the industry by sponsoring a School Design Prize.”

The deadline for donations is 31 January 2018. A set of two books costs £54 (inc VAT) and donors can recommend the schools that receive the awards.

All of the winners of the School Design Prize are then put forward to exhibit at our annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition in October.

To sponsor a School Design Prize, please contact Richard Ainsworth, head of fundraising at The Furniture Makers’ Company, on 020 7562 8527 or by emailing on richard@furnituremakers.org.uk.

For more information about the School Design Prize, go to https://www.furnituremakers.org.uk/education/