Skolnik Prize and The CASS highlight young talent

Photograph shows Jo Baker far left, Stephen Skolnik centre, and Stephen McCombe far right

The end of year show at The CASS, London Metropolitan University, brought reward and recognition for many students who received prizes from The Furniture Makers’ Company.

For the first time, the Skolnik Prize was awarded to three students,  Jo Baker, Stephen McCombe and Nicholas Marschner.

Bespoke furniture designer Stephen Skolnik and his wife Lisa created the prize to reward the best first-year students for work that shows the most original thinking and the most commitment throughout the year.

“It was a very good evening,” said Stephen Skolnik, “and the standard of exhibits was extremely encouraging, innovative and well executed.

“We wanted to give prizes to students who share my love of the wonderful world of furniture making. I remember waiting until I had enough money to buy the best tools and equipment, and am delighted if this helps students today to do the same.

“The CASS is a great environment to study in and I am excited to be part of such a creative centre.”

Dr John Cross of The CASS, London Metropolitan University said: “The Skolnik Prize gives our furniture students confidence by recognising their hard work in the first year of their studies, but more practically gives them funds to purchase either learning aids, tools or materials to enable them to continue to be enthusiastic and ambitious for their coming academic year.”

Other prizes awarded at the show by Chairman of the Training and Education Committee Charles Vernon were:

Ray Gonzalez Brown, FdA Furniture Second Year Award  

Julian Leedham, FdA Furniture Second Year Award

Lua Garcia, BA Furniture Third Year Award

Mark Wheeler, BA Furniture Third Year Award

Matteo Pacella, Frederick Parker Chair Award

Charles Vernon said: “I am delighted to award these prizes on behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company and to see the first Stephen Skolnik Prizes being made.

“End of year shows are an important opportunity for us to recognise the wealth of talent going through further education at the moment. We want to encourage and reward young designer makers wherever possible, creating a promising pool of skills and ideas for the future of the furnishing industry.”