The Chippendale International School of Furniture, founded in 1985 and based in East Lothian just outside Edinburgh, runs a 30-week Professional Course from October to June for 30 students a year, with up to 1,400 hours at the bench. This year's Graduate Exhibition and Fine Furniture Sale ran from 18 to 20 June. Three of the class of 2026 tell us what they made, how the first months have gone and what they would say to the next intake.
Aileen Crowley, Cruthú Crowley
The piece she made
Drawing on her background in architecture and design, Aileen used her time at Chippendale to explore different making techniques. For the Graduate Exhibition she made The Echo Chair in American black walnut, with natural canvas upholstery and brass detailing, alongside a low coffee table finished in sapele pommele veneer.
The first months
Aileen has kept developing her skills and learning from other makers. Her longer-term aim is to set up her own furniture-making business in Ireland, Cruthú Crowley, combining her design background with working closely with customers to bring individual ideas to life.
Her advice
Aileen competed as an Olympian for Team Ireland, so she knows a thing or two about dedication and perseverance. Throw yourself into the experience, be open to new techniques, and make the most of the chance to learn from experienced craftspeople.
David Wraith, Hurstval Furniture
The piece he made
After 20 years as a Countryside Ranger, David's appreciation of the natural world runs through his furniture. His exhibition pieces were the Hartland Sideboard in local oak and ash weave, the Appalachian Desk in American black walnut and blue linoleum, and the Coulsdon Bench in local oak and Danish cord.
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David is now setting up Hurstval Furniture, his bespoke furniture-making business in East Lothian. Working with timber from sustainably managed woodlands, he wants to make individual, handmade pieces that show the natural beauty of the wood. It is a chance to put his knowledge of trees to work in a different way.
His advice
Bring your own experience and interests into the workshop. His background in woodland management has had a big influence on his work, and he sees real value in drawing on what you already know while learning something completely new.
Emiel Blockeel
The piece he made
Emiel grew up surrounded by furniture and design and has always been drawn to pieces that stand out from the ordinary. At Chippendale he developed his own style, experimenting with different materials and techniques. His exhibition pieces were The Owen Cabinet, The Low Wining Table and a mid-century chair.
The first months
Since graduating, Emiel has been honing his skills and taking enquiries for commissions. He hopes to build a furniture-making business where he can keep experimenting with unconventional designs, making pieces with personality from natural materials and finding ways to reduce waste.
His advice
For Emiel, the course turned a long-standing interest in furniture into something tangible. Experiment, have confidence in your own ideas, and enjoy the chance to design and make something entirely your own.
Chippendale International School of Furniture
Text supplied by the Chippendale International School of Furniture through Clark Communications, edited for house style and approved by them. Furniture photographs: Phil Wilkinson. Portraits: Chippendale International School of Furniture. Editorial; nothing was paid for this piece.
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