About
Robert is a graduate of Product and Furniture Design MA at Kingston School of Art. His design practice is based around natural and local environments, with an aspect of play and experimentation weaving through his work.
Currently a student on the CREATE programme at Highgrove, Robert is developing his skills, understanding and focus on timber from forestry through to furniture design and construction.
Robert initially trained as a chemical engineer and has worked across many manufacturing sites, to innovation and strategic roles before committing to his interest of furniture design and making.
Re-Thatched, Presenting Kow
Re-thatched is a research-based project examining the characteristics, techniques and materials of thatching across the UK, with the aim of reapplying these traditional craft practices to contemporary furniture design.
Merging tradition practices with modern functionality, ‘Kow’ (pronounced ‘Koo’) is a thatched shelf symbolising the preservation and adaptation of heritage in contemporary life. Inspired by the corner of thatched roofs, this piece has been designed as centre piece with each angle providing a unique perspective of the surfaces, textures, and shapes of thatch.
See the videos below of the making and thatching process.
September 2024
Saw Milling
Using the natural features of freshly milled green timber and the by products of planking and milling to create objects in situ around a working sawmill and forestry yard.
More pieces to come which directly respond to the milling, drying and aging of timber from a saw mill.
September 2024
Felled
A sculptural piece in response to the loss of mature trees in urban environments. Commissioned by Kingston University’s Biodiversity Department, Robert worked to create an educational piece in a public space to bring to the attention the loss of the tree in this location. Working with poet Philip Gross the sculpture was accompanied by a plaque including a poem and QR link.
August 2023
Ebon
Reviewing and researching the method of ebonising wood to stain the surface, Robert has began the implementation of altering the application processes to create new material finishes using this technique. This work is still on going and he is developing further iterations of this practice to create unique pieces inspired by the process of appl
November 2023
Through The Canopy
December 2023
In response to the RSA brief, Made Natural: How might we create sustainable, nature-based solutions which use trees to protect the environment and strengthen communities? This design project led him to focusing on Coppicing being a key driver for engaging communities with their local environment and redevelop the UK’s stock of coppiced woodlands. The development of the above lighting collection was developed to fund the establishment of a programme to engage local communities with Coppicing. Developing a selection of lights to bring coppiced products into a more contemporary and refined market.
Firewood
December 2022
Considering the use of mature British hardwood trees, Robert scoured his sisters log pile to find a mix of Ash and Maple assigned to burning. When the UK imports such a large quantity of timber while burning it’s own mature trees, Robert showcases in this work how this timber destined to become ash can still be saved to provide valuable products and objects. While ensuring the captured carbon is stored in the object then released through the process of burning.