Marshlands Drinks Cabinet awarded Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize

The Marshlands Drinks Cabinet, designed and made by Elliott Butterwick, has been awarded the Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize.

The Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize was presented to Elliott by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor, Honorary Liveryman, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, and Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, at the Mansion House, London, on Monday 13 May 2024.

The Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize is awarded annually to the most outstanding design that has won a Bespoke Guild Mark in the past 12 months. In addition to a certificate, the award includes a cash prize of £1,000, sponsored by Christopher Claxton Stevens, Past Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.

The Bespoke Guild Mark recognises excellence in design, materials, craftsmanship and function for exquisite pieces of furniture made as single items or a limited run of up to 12. It is awarded to beautifully crafted pieces of bespoke furniture and, since its launch in 1958, has been the apex of distinctions for UK designer-makers.

Incorporating 5,000-year-old bog oak, the Marshlands Drinks Cabinet explores the relationship between North Norfolk’s tidal swell and its salt marshes. The curved, wave-like doors incorporate a grass texture, achieved by taking a silicone mould of marshland grass, in stark contrast to the luxurious sycamore interior and polished bespoke brass handles. 

Elliott studied design at Leeds Metropolitan University, before furthering his studies at the Sir John Cass School of Design, London Metropolitan. Elliott’s design influences stem from his fixation of bespoke handmade objects that encourage interaction with the user.

Commenting on receiving the award, Elliott said: “It is truly an honour to receive this year’s Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize, one of the highest accolades in British furniture. The journey to completing the cabinet was full of challenges, and lots of mistakes were made along the way. This award has given me the inspiration to push boundaries even further in future cabinet making.”

Daniel Hopwood, Bespoke Guild Mark chairman, said: “The Marshlands Drinks Cabinet is an elegant design that marries excellent craftsmanship with a great choice of contrasting woods, notably bog oak which Elliott was not afraid to use despite its potential shortcomings. He did so extremely effectively, and the outcome was an exceptional piece of bespoke furniture.”