‘Out of Wood’ – an exhibition of contemporary furniture

Log Stack Cabin by Byron & Gomez

A new exhibition of fine contemporary furniture, designed by some of the most talented furniture makers in the south west of England, is to be held at Duke’s Fine Art Auctioneers, Brewery Square, Dorchester from 17 September to 2 October 2019.

The ‘Out of Wood’ exhibition is being organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, in partnership with Duke’s and will feature 12 exquisite pieces of furniture – all made of wood.

The curated exhibition will present a distinct range of pieces of varying styles from seven exceptional makers that demonstrate the versatility, beauty and character of wooden furniture.

The seven makers exhibiting – a mixture of established names and new talent – are Byron & Gomez, Charles Dedman, Matthew Burt, Ronald Emett, Simon Pirie, Tom Kealy, and Williams & Cleal. Each of them has been awarded a Bespoke Guild Mark or Design Guild Mark by the Company at some point in their careers, in recognition of excellence in design.

Turner Carver by Charles Dedman

David Dewing, past master of The Furniture Makers’ Company and organiser of the event, said: “Our aim is to demonstrate the extraordinary talent in furniture design and making which exists not only in the south west but across the country. Often pieces are made for private clients and are never shown to a wider public, so this exhibition provides an opportunity for people to see and be inspired by seven exceptional makers. It might encourage young people to consider the furniture industry as a career and the makers will hopefully attract a few new clients. We are especially grateful to Duke’s for helping to make this possible.”

Lee Young, managing director of Duke’s Fine Art Auctioneers, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the ‘Out of Wood’ exhibition and enabling high quality examples of excellent workmanship to be enjoyed here at Duke’s Auctioneers. We look forward to offering a selection of pieces in the Art and Design Post 1850 auction on Thursday 26 September and provide an opportunity to a wider audience to purchase exquisite pieces by Guild Mark holders of The Furniture Makers’ Company.”

A selection of the works in the exhibition are included in Duke’s forthcoming sale, ‘Art and Design Post 1850’ on Thursday 26 September.