May 6, 2021

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In the twentieth anniversary of its founding, the SFMA is again shining a spotlight on the most interesting and supremely well-crafted furniture being designed and made in Scotland today. The 2021 prizes have been awarded based on the wonderfully diverse range of furniture showcased online at the Adjust/Adapt exhibition and judging was undertaken by an expert panel comprising:

In the twentieth anniversary of its founding, the SFMA is again shining a spotlight on the most interesting and supremely well-crafted furniture being designed and made in Scotland today. The 2021 prizes have been awarded based on the wonderfully diverse range of furniture showcased online at the Adjust/Adapt exhibition and judging was undertaken by an expert panel comprising:

David Patterson (chair) - Curatorial & Conservation Manager, City Art Centre

Karen Anderson – Chair of Design Project for Scotland

David Jones - Furniture & Design Historian

David Patterson said: “I think it’s fair to say that all three judges were quite amazed at the range and quality of pieces in the exhibition. We were intrigued by the different responses to the brief and choosing winners from such a diverse selection wasn’t easy.”

The results are as follows:

Craft Excellence Award and the Makers Choice Award: Speyside Cabinet - Duke Christie

Duke says “Sculpted in the solid, the wall cabinet has been designed to appear as though each had been formed from a single block of wood, with smooth uninterrupted lines flowing throughout. The contrasting colours and textures of the oak owing to different finishing techniques, create tactile surfaces that invite touch and reflection. The hand carved cabinet front represents the ever-changing course of the River Spey, adapting to the environment whilst also driving changes to the surrounding area.”

Design Innovation Award: Agrell Stool - Nicholas Denney

Nick says “The concrete elements are pre-fabricated using reusable fiberglass moulds in response to the climate emergency by attempting to embrace a zero waste policy on multiple castings. The concrete components consist of granite sand and granite aggregate, highly polished to a terrazzo finish, which are then tied together by cast-in stainless steel fixings. The concrete mix is of the highest strength and quality, putting the lifespan of these objects, even in an exterior environment, into the hundreds of years.”

Scottish Forestry Award for Best use of Ash: Soft Kist - Jonathan Rose

Jonathan says “A dual function blanket chest & seat, borne out of the need to store bedding in a living space. The top curves in two planes plus thinning the material from the back to the front provides something comfortable to sit on and a lid that lifts easily. Historically, the chest was the most important piece in a home until the beginning of the 18th century - storing belongings and valuables and could be used as a seat.”

With lockdown still in force, the awards have yet to be presented physically which it is hoped will happen at some point in the not too distant future. In the meantime, hearty congratulations go out to all the worthy winners!

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