Six exceptional pieces of bespoke furniture and fitted furniture have been awarded the Bespoke Guild Mark by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, taking the total number of Bespoke Guild Marks awarded in the 67 years of the programme to over 500.
Since its launch in 1958, the Bespoke Guild Mark has been the apex of distinctions for UK designer-makers. The award recognises excellence in design, materials, craftsmanship and function for exquisite pieces of furniture and fitted furniture made as single items or a limited run.
Over the past six months, the Bespoke Guild Mark jury has awarded the Mark to:
• Tweed Console Table by Phillip Dobbins (BGM 496)
• Oomugi: Japanese Whisky Shrine by Ed Ryland (BGM 497)
• Spitfire Chair by Ian Burnell (BGM 498)
• Trewithen Kitchen by Guild Anderson (BGM 499)
• Sunburst Table and Chairs by Daniel Lacey (BGM 500)
• Lines Puzzle Cabinet by Josey Garbutt (BGM 501)
Daniel Hopwood, Bespoke Guild Mark chairman, said: “It is always a privilege to witness the extraordinary talent and dedication of our UK designer-makers, and this latest cohort of Bespoke Guild Mark recipients truly exemplifies the pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship. Each of these exceptional pieces demonstrates not only outstanding design and technical skill but also a deep understanding of materials and function.
“On behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company, I extend my warmest congratulations to Phillip Dobbins, Ed Ryland, Ian Burnell, Guild Anderson, Daniel Lacey, and Josey Garbutt for their remarkable achievements. Reaching the milestone of over 500 Bespoke Guild Marks awarded is a testament to the enduring excellence of our industry. We are immensely proud to continue celebrating and supporting the finest bespoke furniture makers in the UK.”
Phillip Dobbins said: “I am thrilled to have received a Bespoke Guild Mark. The award validates a maker’s work at the highest level.”
Ed Ryland said: “Winning a Bespoke Guild Mark is a profound honour. It feels like the highest possible recognition of the effort, dedication, and community that contributed to crafting something unique that, hopefully, brings joy in some way. On a personal level, working on this piece helped me through some difficult times and I put a huge amount of myself into it, so being recognised in this way truly means the world.”
Ian Burnell said: “I have no words. What an incredible honour to be recognised for such a prestigious award.”
Nick Anderson of Guild Anderson said: “This was a landmark historic project for myself and the team. The owners placed their faith in our ability to deliver a set of spaces which suited how they live as a modern family but was also sympathetic to the stunning architecture of the house. We are very proud of what we achieved there.”
Daniel Lacey said: “I’m so deeply honoured to receive this – my sixth Bespoke Guild Mark – for the Sunburst Table and Chairs, and to be recognised once more by such a prestigious organisation is incredible. Thank you.”
Josey Garbutt said: “Being awarded the Bespoke Guild Mark is a huge accolade, particularly so early in my career, and it motivates me to keep pushing boundaries.”
