Meet the makers exhibiting at Evolution of Tradition: John Makepeace

Evolution of Tradition, a new exhibition of contemporary bespoke furniture designed by some of the UK’s most distinguished craftspeople, takes place from 2 until 5 October this autumn at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. The exhibition represents an exciting collaboration between The Furniture Makers’ Company and Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, the world’s premier design destination.

Fifteen makers, including John Makepeace, are exhibiting 28 pieces at the exhibition.

John Makepeace’s career has been described as an adventure

in wood. He first saw fine furniture being made when he was 11, and then he visited the great cabinet makers in Copenhagen as a teenager. Design and craftsmanship came naturally to him.

At an early stage in his business, John designed and manufactured a range of products for design retailers. These prompted major commissions to furnish new buildings for Oxford Colleges and interiors for private clients.

In 1976 he bought Parnham House, Dorset to establish an educational trust for aspiring furniture makers and larger studios for his business. Their international success was followed by the purchase of Hooke Park, a 350 acre forest where he initiated the development of new technologies for the construction of the new campus using forest thinning for all the structural components.

The Trust amalgamated with the Architectural Association in 2001.

John continues to design and make furniture to commission.

To attend Evolution of Tradition for free, register now.