A Nidderdale business that specialises in designing and making individual pieces of furniture has created a unique story chair in memory of a Yorkshire teacher.
Designer Makers near Darley incorporated some of primary school teacher Dot Mainwaring’s favourite things in the design of the chair which will be the focus of story time at Sandal Primary School in Baildon, where staff and pupils have fond memories of her.
David Wilson, of Designer Makers said:
We were delighted to be approached by the school to take on such a personal project and our objective was to create something that would stand up to years of daily use in a busy primary school whilst encapsulating the personality of the lady it pays tribute to.
The finished design included hockey sticks, Tibetan mountains and cats – all things that meant a lot to Dot.
The chair was made by Chris Tribe who works alongside David in the workshop and Joanna Howells, of Sandal Primary School, said the staff and pupils were delighted with it.
Chris Tribe said:
Designer Makers have created something that not only reminds us of Dot but which will serve the children at the school for many, many years to come.
The children were invited to experience some of the design and production process for themselves at the Nidderdale workshop where the furniture is handcrafted.
David said:
We specialise in bespoke one off designs and although our style is very contemporary we use traditional methods because they produce the most durable results.
Some people find the concept difficult to understand because we don’t have a brochure of furniture but what we offer is the opportunity to create something completely individual.
We have customers who are looking for an exclusive piece of furniture and others who need something very specific to fit a space or a purpose and they haven’t been able to find it anywhere else.
David, a qualified engineer, established the business in 2005 and runs it with his wife Emmanuelle. The couple design and manufacture everything from coffee tables to complete kitchens, with each project being unique.
David and Emmanuelle welcome visitors to their workshop and run a gallery alongside their offices in Blubberhouses, which has examples of their work and that of some of the furniture makers they collaborate with on display. For information about opening times visit www.designermakers.co.uk