The hallmark of quality

This May (3-6)  will see the return of INSPIRED – the luxury contemporary silverware and furniture selling showcase at the Goldsmiths Centre during London Craft Week.

This leading exhibition, now in its fifth year, brings together some of the UK’s finest and up-and-coming silversmiths and furniture makers in one unique curated platform.

In the first of three articles, we find out more about INSPIRED and the Bespoke Guild Mark from our Guild Marks Chairman and bespoke furniture maker Rupert Senior.

What is it about INSPIRED that makes it an unmissable event for those interested in purchasing a piece of bespoke furniture?

Inspired is a curated exhibition with a unique opportunity to meet some of the finest furniture makers working in the UK today, to buy their latest work or discuss your requirements directly with them.

All of the furniture makers exhibiting at INSPIRED have been awarded The Furniture Makers’ Company’s coveted Bespoke Guild Mark at some point. Can you explain what criteria a piece has to pass in order to be awarded the mark?

There is a rigorous two-stage selection process, which begins with a review of images of the work. Once past the first stage, selected items are physically inspected. The judges have specific criteria that need to be satisfied in order for a Bespoke Guild Mark to be awarded: excellence in design, materials, craftsmanship and function. Is the piece in both design and craftsmanship, exceptional? Innovation is also looked for.

What value does the Bespoke Guild Mark add to a piece of furniture?

The Bespoke Guild Mark is a hallmark of excellence. To that effect it is a hugely valuable assurance of quality and professionalism to anyone wishing to commission a piece of contemporary fine furniture. Furthermore, to the bespoke designer/maker, it is an endorsement that their work has reached the highest standards and that they stand among some of the best furniture makers in the country who have received Bespoke Guild Marks.

For more information about INSPIRED, go to www.festivalofsilver.co.uk.