Meet our members – Ben Dawson

As the City of London livery company for the furnishing industry, our membership is as diverse as the many people, functions and sectors that work within this wonderful trade.

Every month we are going to be finding out more about our members, learning about their jobs and discovering what it is about The Furniture Makers’ Company that resonates with them. This month it is the turn of liveryman Ben Dawson.

Tell me about yourself, background and company you work for.

I am a furniture designer involved in designing and manufacturing a wide range of furniture products. I ran my own furniture manufacturing business for 30 years, designing and making furniture for architectural projects including boardrooms and executive offices, restaurants and public buildings.

The Cirrus Collection designed by Ben Dawson and manufactured by New Design Group, was awarded Design Guild Mark No.19 in 2010 and has achieved considerable commercial success ever since. My latest design is Wax Rack, a vinyl record storage system, exploring a long-held fascination with moulded laminated wood structures.

How did you break into the industry and what is it about the sector that made you stay in it?

I started making things as a child, guided by my surgeon father who was somewhat alarmed that my practical aptitude did not cause me to follow in his footsteps. I have always been addicted to how things are made – either by the individual craftsperson or in a mass production factory. My first job was as an apprentice with a traditional cabinet maker and restorer which allowed me to build a portfolio for entry to Edinburgh College of Art where I studied Furniture Design.

When did you first hear about The Furniture Makers’ Company and who encouraged you to join?

I first heard about the Company when I was at Art College. I was very fortunate to be granted the Eileen Price Award on graduation, which enabled me to travel in the USA and gain life changing experience and meet other young designers who have become lifelong friends. After I set up in business, I commissioned Geoffrey Harcourt RDI to design a number of products for my company and he suggested I apply to be a liveryman.

What area of the company’s output resonates most with you and why? (i.e. welfare, education, excellence)

I am most interested in the Company’s activities in supporting young people and in promoting design. In particular I think the Design Guild Mark scheme continues to be a triumph.

Can you share a highlight or fond memory of your time involved with The Furniture Makers’ Company?

Apart from my wonderful experiences as a young graduate benefiting from a travel scholarship, I have fond memories of several Masters’ outings and the unforgettable Installation Dinners at the Mansion House.

Have you got any advice to any new members regarding getting the most out of membership?

My advice would be to attend as many events as possible to build a network of friendships from every corner of our incredibly diverse industry.

Finally, tell us something your fellow members may not know about you – a secret talent, an interest outside of the world of furniture.

My dark secret is that as a teenager I trained as an ice figure skater and occasionally joined the cast of Holiday on Ice to earn quick cash. More recently I have enjoyed the annual production of a small quantity of olive oil from my trees in Umbria, Italy where we are very lucky to have a second home.