Penny Price
After a career in banking in the City of London I left in 1990 to pursue a career in art and design. I joined the Advanced GNVQ Art and Design course at Bracknell l3, Wokingham College in 1994. In 1996 I was awarded a Silver Medal of Excellence by City and Guilds for my work - silver is the highest award at this level. In 1996 I joined Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College where I studied for my BA (Hons) degree in Furniture Design and Craftsmanship. I am an associate of Fred Baier and work from his workshop in Pewsey, where I design and craft contemporary furniture to commission combining traditional craftsmanship and qualify materials. My work is influenced by surrounding architecture, sculpture and the natural world and I like to produce pieces that can be viewed as art objects yet still retain the required functionality. One of the features of my work is incorporating colour into my furniture.
Date of Birth: 1951
Associations: SGC
Awards:
1997 City & Guilds Medals for Excellence Silver Medal
1969 Brooke Bond National School Awards / Senior Art
Commissions:
August 1997 The Beginning, sculpture for City & Guilds, London - Calendar 1998
Education:
1996 - 1999 BA (Hons) Furniture Design & Craftsmanship, Buckinghamshire University College, High Wycombe
1994 - 1996 Bracknell & Wokingham College - GNVQ Advanced Art & Design
1992 - 1994 Bracknell & Wokingham College - CAD using Autocad
1969 - 1970 West Surrey College of Art & Design - Interior Design
Group Exhibitions: 2007 The Royal William Yard Art Show, Plymouth 2007 A Celebration of Craftsmanship & Design, Cheltenham 2007 The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen, Nynehead Court, Wellington
2004 Celebration of Craftsmanship & Design, Cheltenham 2003 Celebration of Craftsmanship, Cheltenham 2003 Somerset Guild of Craftsmen 'Sheer Craftsmanship', The Bishop's Palace, Wells 2003 1999 New Designers 99, Business Design Centre, Islington
Solo Exhibitions:
Travel: Nationally, Yes Internationally, Yes
Press Quotes: 'Penny is happy to accept commissions for individual works - her attention to detail is evident from concept through design to the final build of each piece.' The Guild of Master Craftsmen - businessMATTERS Jan/Feb2002.
Maker's Statement:
I approach my work with enthusiasm and have a passion for wood because of its versatility and tactile qualities. Before setting up my own bespoke furniture company I spent several years gaining experience in various workshops with other makers. For 2 years I worked as an associate of Fred Baier's workshop in Pewsey where inspiration had no limit and energy was constantly charged. In 2004 I relocated to Taunton and have now established my company in Wellington where I design and manufacture contemporary furniture to commission. Whilst my design interest is fairly broad I am particularly interested in the movements such as Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts, Bauhaus and Art Deco. My work is influenced by architecture, sculpture and the natural world and I like to produce pieces that can be viewed as art objects yet still retain the required functionality. One of my objectives is to develop pieces that are both striking and practical combining traditional craftsmanship and quality materials with attractive and intelligent design. I am a member of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen. Visits to my workshop are welcome but I cannot offer apprenticeships at the moment.
Studio visits are welcome.
Commissioning Procedure
Wherever possible I always prefer to visit my clients in the environment where the intended piece is to be situated and view this as an important stage of a new project. Discussing the proposed design with the client and listening to what they require is valuable for determining surroundings, purpose, dimensions, preferred timbers, specific details, finishes and estimated costs. At this meeting the client is advised that there is usually a fee for the design process and this is deductible from the final payment. Following on from this stage design sketches, drawings, models (if appropriate) are produced and costings are discussed with the client. At this point any suggestions for changes or additions can be covered and then incorporated into the design. A final draft is prepared and once the client has approved this together with cost and an approximate timescale the project can go ahead. At this stage a deposit for the piece will be required. Clients are always welcome to come and view their work in progress.
Pricing Policy
Prices vary considerably depending on the proposed design, the complexity, detail and materials. The client's budget is discussed at the initial meeting and wherever possible I endeavour to work the design around that framework without compromising the quality and craftsmanship. The price for a commissioned piece will be based upon the time it takes to make, designs, materials and delivery. All prices are subject to VAT.
Prices start from: Dining tables £3500, Dining Chair £1000 Small coffee/occasional tables £1500, Chest of drawers £3000, Cabinets £4000
VAT Registered: Yes
