Martin Grierson
After graduating with Distinction in Furniture and Interior Design, and an RSA Bursary, worked in several architectural offices on interior and furniture projects. Was with Trevor Dannatt practice for four years and in that time made architectural models for Prof. Sir Leslie Martin, Colin StJohn Wilson, A & P Smithson, Ove Arup and Denis Lasdun.
1960 -1975 Free lance design practice.
Opened design studio and worked for many british and european companies. Included among client list are, Arflex SpA, Strassle Sohne & Co. Walter Knoll, The Irish Electricity Board (ESB) Kandya, Collins & Hayes, The Aston Cabinet Company.
1975 - Designer Maker
Started the present workshop with a view to managing and manufacturing my own designs on a one-off commissions basis. Currently occupying premises of 3600 sq.ft. in W London, equipped with up-to-date traditional machinery for shaping, jointing & veneering timber furniture with spray booth facilities for finishing. I employ between 3 - 6 assistant cabinet makers.
Date of Birth: 1932
Associations: null,FSDC,FCSD,FRSA,WCFM
Awards: In the early years, established a reputation in several international competitions. Prizes awarded include Arflex / Domus European Chair competition, Cantu International Furniture competition, TDA Wooden Office Furniture Competition and Dunlopillo Design Awards. In 2002 awarded the Golden Jubilee Award of The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers for designs of public seating for The Wallace Collection.
Commissions:
1981 Robinson College, Cambridge
1986 British Rail
1989 The Home Office
1990 Croydon Town Hall
1991 Sainsbury Wl
1991 The National Gallery
1992 Royal Brompton
1992 National Heart & Lung Hospital
1992 TSB Group Plc
1992 British Waterways HQ
1992 Clerical Medical Investment Group
1993 Museum of East Asian Art, Bath
1994 GA Life, York
1993 London Underground
1993 Department of National Heritage
1994 Robert Fleming & Co. Ltd.
1995 Robert Flemming & Co. Ltd.
1995 Jesus College, Cambridge
1996 St.Bride Foundation Institute
1996 The House of Lords
1996 The Pallace of Westminster
1997 The Bank of England
1997 Christ's College, Cambridge
1997 St.Bride's church, Fleet Street
1997 Bishopsgate Institute
1997 Falck Financial Services SA
1998 London Transport HQ
1998 GA London HQ
1998 The Bank of England
2000 Ely Cathedral
2000 Jesus College, Cambridge
2001 General Dental Council
2001 Tate Gallery, St.lves
2002 St. John's College, Durham
2002 Middle East Broadcasting Corp.
2002 Wolverhampton Art Gallery
My project and client list is varied and wide ranging from re-furnishing Croydon Town Hall, Seating for the National Gallery, a Council chamber for General Dental Council, a cafe for The Palace of Westminster at the large commission end to pieces for private clients and churches.
Education: 1953 Graduated from Central School of Arts & Crafts, London
Group Exhibitions: Taken part in exhibitions of furniture at The Royal College of Art, Prescote Gallery exhibitions at both at the gallery and at their Warwick Arts Trust shows and their exhibitions at the Edinburgh Festival and Liverpool Bluecoat Gallery. Pieces were exhibited at British Crafts Centre's Royal Jubilee exhibition, their Furniture in Context, and the Crafts Council 'Makers Eye'. Work has been shown at Sotherby's Phillip's and Bonham's; Celebration of Craftsmanship at Cheltenham and at The Mall Gallery. Regularly invited to demonstrate at 'Art in Action'.
Solo Exhibitions:
Travel: Nationally, Yes Internationally, Yes
Press Quotes:
Maker's Statement:
I set out to make proper pieces of furniture that exploit traditional forms of construction but are, never-the-less, expressions of today. I always seek appropriate form for each piece, relating it to its situation, either by contrast or loosely associating it to its surround-ings. My client's expectations and aspirations towards a new commission provide very strong guidelines in the creation of a new design. I believe that the success and beauty of a design lie as much in consistency and attention to detail plus the choice of materials as in the overall concept.
Studio visits are welcome.
Commissioning Procedure
The development of most commissions fall into the following four stages. Clearly it is desirable to meet one another at the outset and, where possible, I like to see where the new piece of furniture is to be placed, the surroundings will have an influence on my design proposals.
1) An initial meeting should take place where we can look through my portfolio of past work to establish an appropriate style, and to discuss your commission. I would need to take, or receive, dimensions of the space and any special features or obstacles.
2) I would prepare initial design proposals and preliminary costings for your consideration. Where practical I would present my design proposals in person and discuss alterations if required. For long distance commissions this may be done initially by post, FAX or E Mail.
3) For some more complex projects a prototype, mock-up or models may be required. I would supply a separate quotation for this work in advance. For many commissions this stage can be omitted.
4) When you have agreed the designs, prices and a suitable time scale, you would place an order for us to make the furniture.
Throughout the commission you would be dealing with me personally and I would ensure that all materials and workmanship are maintained at the highest standard. You would always be welcome at my workshop to see work in progress.
Pricing Policy
My prices are based upon the cost of materials plus the time taken to make the piece. There is a built-in percentage for design & commission, and all prices are subject to VAT Delivery is charged at cost. Prices quoted are a direct reflection of these costs and are not inflated for artistic merrit.
Whilst I have no minimum charge for a commission, in practice it is unlikely that any com-mission which includes a new design will cost less than £2,000.00
A dining table £5,555 - £20,000
Dining chairs £1,410 - £ 3,300
Sideboard £6,500 - £32,000
Suite of bedroom furniture £19,000 - £55,500
Coffee table £3,300 - £ 6,345
VAT Registered: Yes
