Furniture with Flair

Some of the most exciting and individualistic designers and contemporary craftsman-made furniture are to be found in Britain.

John Makepeace, founder and director of Parnham College which trains craftsmen in wood has remarked on a growing awareness of Britain's history of furniture design. He applauds the new propensity of Britain's young designers to delve deep into the past as a way to the designs of the future. "Design is only possible if it is based on an understanding of where we come from. For a long time, since the '60's, we have ignored history and the basic tenets of good design. Now we are seeing a new sensitivity to materials and techniques. It is a welcome shift in values."