Richard Williams
After graduating from Buckingham College, Richard went to work for the well renowned maker Martin Grierson. Where he was involved in 'special project furniture'.
In 1990 he took the decision to be a self-employed designer and maker, running a busy workshop and currently employing five full-time staff. Richard also lectures part-time at Buckingham College where he has Research Fellow status.
Date of Birth: 1965
Associations:
Awards:
1991 - London Woodworker Show
Furniture Design Competition. Gold
1990, 1995, 1997, 1989 - Practical Woodworking Furniture Design Awards, Finalist
Council Forest Industries of British Columbia Furniture Design Competition Winner
1990 - Practical Woodworking Furniture Design Awards, Winner
1991 - London Woodworker Show Furniture Design Competition. Gold Medal and AEG Prize
1998, 1999, 2001- Furniture designed by Richard awarded 'Guildmarks' by The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. (Eight awards in total)
1995 - 'Claxton - Stevens Prize' for the most outstanding piece of furniture awarded a Guildmark by The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers in 1995. Winner
1998 - APTME/Furniture and Cabinetmaking Furniture Design Competition. Professional Category First Prize
2001 - APTME/Furniture and Cabinetmaking Furniture Design Competition. Professional Category First Prize
WCFM 'Best in Show' Award
2002 - APTME/Furniture and Cabinetmaking Furniture Design Competition. Previous Winners Category First Prize
Commissions:
Education:
1986 - 1989 Diplomain Furniture Craft and Management, Buckingham College. Distinction Award
Group Exhibitions:
1992 - 'Antiques of the Future', Phillips Auctioneers, Oxford
1993, 1994 - 'Decorative Arts Today', Bonhams Auctioneers, London
1990/1/2/3/5, 2000 - 'Art in Action', Waterperry House, Oxfordshire
1998 – 2002 'A Celebration of Craftsmanship' Cheltenham
1998 - 'A Celebration of Excellence' Phillips Auctioneers, London
1999 - `Furniture for the 21St Century' Launch Exhibition, Banqueting House Whitehall. London
Solo Exhibitions:
1993 – 1999 Major annual solo exhibition. Market Hall, Old Amersham
2002 - Solo Exhibition at'Finelot', St. James, opened by John Bly
Travel: Nationally, Yes Internationally, Yes
Press Quotes:
"A perfectionist to his fingertips, Richard's solution to the brief is representative of the style associated with his work - clean simple lines, gentle curves, and the sensitive use of beautiful and precious timbers which require the minimum of adornment.”
Furniture and Cabinetmaking Magazine
1998 - 'A Celebration of Excellence' Published by Phillips International Auctioneers, New Bond St.
1999 - 'Furniture for the 21St Century' Betty Norbury, Stobart Davies
2000 - `Furniture and Cabinetmaking' Full article and cover feature
Maker's Statement:
The overriding motivation for me and for my team of craftsmen is to create beautiful furniture that not only fulfils its intended function, but gives pleasure to all who experience its qualities. Attention to detail in design and construction, the beauty of the natural materials, and excellence of craftsmanship in the making of every piece are daily uppermost in our minds.
Commissioning Procedure
Since designing my first commissioned pieces in 1990, I have focused upon assembling a team of highly skilled craftsmen to work with me, and on creating a cabinet-making workshop second to none in which to produce our award-winning furniture.
In this time we have designed and made furniture for all kinds of environments – most often private homes, and occasionally public spaces, offices and ecclesiastical buildings.
My approach to furniture design revolves around suitability for purpose, sensitivity to proportion and materials, and close attention to every small detail. I do not have a single dominant design style that is imposed on every piece. I prefer to collaborate closely with the client throughout, and to ensure that the piece will harmonise with its intended environment. This approach not only lends itself well to working with private individuals, but also allows for happy collaboration with the professional architect or interior designer.
The result is elegant and enduring furniture made with modern and traditional techniques to the highest possible standards.
Pricing Policy
Prices vary enormously according to design detail and materials - we have made boardroom tables for less cost than a jewllery box! The budget for any commission is always discussed and agreed with the client in advance of the design presentation.
Prices vary dining table £11400 plus chairs £1150 each, TV and Hi-Fi cabinet £12800, pair of wine tables £4200.
VAT Registered: Yes
