Eight new freemen admitted

We were delighted to admit eight new freemen at our summer admission ceremony this week.

The ceremony – one of four held annually – took place on Tuesday 18 July at Furniture Makers’ Hall.

The eight new freemen declared their support to the Company, before signing the declaration and being personally welcomed by Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.

Following the ceremony, the new freemen were invited to join other members and guests at our Summer Mixer event.

Our new freemen are:

John Deeble, founder and managing director of Elmgrove Developments

John is founder and managing director of Elmgrove Developments.  As well as building works the company installs Smallbone and Mark Wilkinson kitchens.

Rachel Ellison-Galbraith, creative director at Ercol

Currently creative director at Ercol, Rachel has a long history of being a freelance designer for companies such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Frank Hudson and B&Q.

Audrey Fasquelle, bespoke wood specialist at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Audrey is a bespoke wood specialist at Rolls Royce, involving parquetry and marquetry work for the wooden parts of the cars, as well as development of new techniques and materials.

Paul Ferris, bespoke interior surface centre innovation at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Paul is the bespoke interior surface centre innovation specialist and has worked at Rolls-Royce since joining as an apprentice in 2016.

Ed Johnson, founder of Edward Johnson Ltd

Set up in 2009, Edward Johnson Ltd designs and manufactures bespoke and limited-edition high-end furniture. Ed was a member of the Bespoke Guild Mark committee for many years.

Will Purves, director at David Lawrence Ltd

Will is a director of David Lawrence Ltd which manufactures bespoke furniture, mainly upholstery and some cabinetry.

Matthew Shepperson, national sales manager at Make An Entrance Ltd

Matt is the national sales manager for Make An Entrance, which specialises in the manufacture and supply of bespoke entrance matting including personalised and logo mats for both business and residential customers.

Helen Welch, founder of the London School of Furniture Making

Helen set up the London School of Furniture Making in 2013 after working as a self-employed maker/installer. The school runs furniture making craft short course for keen amateurs and those considering entering the industry.