Feature: The Big Picture - Exhibition - 21st Century Furniture III at The Millinery Works until May 1
Published: 31 March, 2011
WILLIAM Morris once said: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
And the furniture in The Millinery Works’ third annual exhibition certainly lives up to those principles.
Subtitled “The Arts & Crafts Legacy”, the exhibition contains several superbly crafted pieces by 39 of this country’s leading furniture designers and makers.
There are 135 exhibits including an armchair by John Makepeace, dining tables by Martin Grierson, a dressing table and mirror from the Barnsley Workshop and an amazing “Nautilus” coffee table by Mark Fish.
On the walls are works by five members of the Society of Designer Craftsmen, displayed with glass work by artist Steven Newell. There are some fascinating turned bowls and platters including some unusual stained horse chestnut pieces, made by Richard Chapman, who works in Norfolk.
Derek Rothera, a director of the galleries, said: “The first year we held this exhibition was a real eye-opener; I had no idea that we still had so many talented and gifted craftsmen in Britain. This is an exhibition that should not be missed.”
• 21st Century Furniture III is at The Millinery Works, 87 Southgate Road, London N1,
until May 1. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm; and Sunday
from noon to 5pm.
• For more information, email art@millineryworks.co.uk or phone 020 7359 2019.