I travelled up to Cheltenham to see this years show today. Jez Broun and me filmed a chat interview, like the review show on BBC2 for the Fufniture Today DVD series.
Whilst I can still remember I thought it moving to see Alan Peters last piece finishedby the equally unassuming Andrew Lawton who has been making beautifully proportioned furniture for a number of years now. His work, whilst never ground breaking, is always excellent, measured and well considered. Makes you wonder why so many try redesigning the wheel rather than learning proportion.
In the Chair competition only Jez Brouns tilt rocker rinvented the chair,the rest were ugly. And why didn't Magnus Scholefield submit his , it would have won.
Roland Taggs Swirl drawers pair were tender , delicate and fascinating. Innovative without losing sight of beauty.
Barnaby Scott stole the show for me, his fumed oak sideboard with mitre edged doors, sculpted sides and a vulnerable revealed corner detail could stand anywhere and transfix. Even amongst the chaos of Cheltenham. His table with a crop cicle like detail that cut in to the solid at the edges was only spoiled by an underframe that deserved a piece of it's own. Both great.
Dereck Elliot.......er...pass
Martin Galaghers Gareth nealesque Ardu was a showstopper, maple,brass, glass, one of my favourites.
Luke Harding radial side table very good.
MacMaster coffee table had a great form but why spoil it with Rosewood, heavily grained timbers always distract from curves.
Nikolas Kary console table in ash, great piece and Paul Cases Spyder suff had incredible jointing and were graciously undersung.
Finally, it is admirable what Jason is doing with the show, looks better for fewer pieces and so glad the dragon lady is gone. Norbury hurt many people with her bullying and took craft furniture down a cul de sac. Cheltenham can now rise again.
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