News
New freemen
Pictured front row; Tony Smart, Senior Warden; Ben Burbidge, Master; Dids Macdonald, First Assistant.
Pictured back row; Ben Fowler, Grahame Oakey, Alex Dobocan, William White, Ian Smart, Henry Tadros, Philippa Moss.
We are delighted to welcome seven new freemen to The Furniture Makers’ Company.
Master Ben Burbidge admitted the new freemen to the Company before the annual carol service on Friday 16 December at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London.
The freemen admitted were:
Alex Dobocan
Alexandra Dobocan is the head of communications and public relations at The Furniture Ombudsman.
Ben Fowler
Ben Fowler (M DES RCA) is a chartered member of the Institute of Designers and is a furniture designer at Fowler & Co.
Philippa Moss
Philippa is currently a project manager at Eightspace LLP. Philippa graduated with a MA is Furniture Design from Bucks New University. Having previously completed a bachelors and Masters in Geology.
Grahame Oakey
Grahame Oakey is a master craftsman in wood with over 28 years experience in the design, production and craft of all custom things woody – from garden joinery and architectural joinery to fine cabinets, furniture and objects of art.
Ian Smart
Ian Smart started his career in the furniture industry at the age of sixteen working for Ercol as an apprentice. Ian later moved to A.J. ways who manufactured orthopaedic furniture. In 2002 Ian started his own company “Smart Carpentry” making and installing kitchens and fitted furniture. Today Ian produces bespoke fitted kitchens, fitted bedroom furniture and other items.
Henry Tadros
Henry Tadros is International sales manager at Ercol Furniture Ltd. Henry has worked for Ercol since September 2011.
William White
William has been the managing director of Rotadex Systems Limited since 1995.