Design Awards
Over the years, we’ve proudly sponsored graduate design awards. Today, we partner with Rycotewood Furniture Centre for the Gordon Russell Museum Design Award, honouring Ray Leigh. It challenges students to create a small craft object for batch manufacture. Winners not only receive a prize but also have the opportunity to sell their designs in our shop. Click the button below to see a selection in our online shop.
In 2023, Thom O’Nion won with a pen box inspired by traditional boat design, featuring a brass hinge and smooth lines. He has since formed a studio – Foris –with Josey Garbut and Krav Metcalfe, focusing on sustainable furniture.
Past winners include Michael Buick for his Pegg Furniture range, Tom Hodgetts for the Armadillo chair, George Peirce for his Strung chair and Charles Colbourne for his Parabola Table.
Shop for the Rycotewood Design Award Collection
Design Awards
George Peirce, a graduate of Product and Furniture Design at Kingston University, was awarded for his Strung chair. Judges were impressed with George’s detailed and beautifully executed design, its outline creating an instantly recognisable shape and cleverly hinting at its lightweight construction.
Charles Colbourne was honoured for his Parabola Table, too, which was celebrated for its for outstanding levels of design, innovation and craftsmanship. Can be seen in the picture on the right.