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Philip
Clayden trained as a furniture designer maker in the late 1980s, inspired by a
desire to study furniture design and contribute something unique to the
world. He set up his first workshop in
1990 in a traditional timber-framed barn in the Chiltern Hills - an area of
outstanding natural beauty, and now works from a self-built studio workshop
nearby.
His
aim has always been to create aesthetic forms that will provide inspiration and
enjoyment both immediately and throughout the years. “I am making furniture to
be loved and prized - heirlooms of the future”, he says.
Working
as both an artist and a craftsman, a hallmark of Philip’s career has been the
wide variety of projects he has undertaken, giving him the opportunity to
develop his skills in many areas. He
recognises the great privilege of being chosen to provide furniture that will
form part of his clients’ lives, and so strives to maintain the highest
standards of originality and quality of construction.
Attentiveness
to the client is one of the key values underpinning the processes of
consultation, commissioning, design and making. “My clients are looking for furniture
that both expresses their individuality and perfectly fulfils their practical
needs. For this reason my work cannot be
compared to mass-produced furniture ” he says.
Once the functional
aspects of the design have been resolved, the task shifts from that of the
engineer to that of the artist. He
explains: “My task is to imbue the functional with the aesthetic: The functional aspect of a design must be
offered within the proportions and forms which generate its aesthetic impact.”
Whilst
being involved with every kind of furniture and room layout design, in recent
years Philip has developed a particular interest in public works, often
involving carving. This flows from a
belief in the vital importance of good design in public and shared spaces. Examples of his public work range from the
finely carved choir-stall prototype made for Dorchester Abbey – a national
heritage monument, to the sculpted Gates and benches that surround the Iron-Age
hill-fort under the care of the Northmoor Trust. His team have recently re-created the
Athelstan Museum in Malmesbury, involving the town’s historical narrative in
its layout.
In
his words: “I have a fascination with structure and form... I am never content
to rest until I have met a design question with a really exciting solution.”
Philip
employs skilled craftsmen to undertake many of the tasks of production:
preparing the raw timber, cutting and shaping the components, assembly and
finishing. He divides his time between
designing and project managing, developing prototypes in the workshop, and
carrying out the carving and fine detailing that contributes most towards the
uniqueness of his work.
If
you would like to discuss a need you have for bespoke work, please contact
Philip by email
or phone +44 (0)1491 641889.
Recommendations
from clients:
“Thank you so much for all the
valiant work you put in round the clock. The museum is open... and looks great.
Much commendation from all and their friend, sundry...” – Roger Griffin,
Chairman, Athelstan Museum.
“I am planning to have a bit in the
ceremony where I honour your work. It is SO admired. Every time I
show someone the room, they go into delight about the altar.... The chairs are wonderful
too and I see how well they will go with the altar. I love the back
support. It's brilliant. Thank you so much” – Rev Tess Ward, Chaplain,
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
“
I am writing to thank you for the work you put into making the magnificent
Bishop’s chair and Prie Dieu for the church. The Bishop himself commented on
the quality of the workmanship….” – Revd Duncan Carter, Henley on Thames.
“
Once again I wanted to thank you so much for the oak coffee table. We all love
it! The design is amazing and it is beautifully made….” – Mrs J Oram,
Westminster, London
Client List
SELECTED FURNITURE
COMMISSIONS
1990
Desk
with shelves, aumbry with pierced and carved roundels for Rycotewood college
show
1991
Carved
bed for the principal of the Fine Arts College, London. Carved suite of
domestic furniture for Mr Lees, Stoke Row
1992
Four
boardroom tables and thirty five upholstered chairs for the National
Association of Local Councils, London.
Library for Mr Rowe, Warborough
1993
Carved
bookcase and altar furnishings for St Mary’s church, Ipsden. Suite of dining
room furniture for Mr Crook, Henley
1992
Bespoke
kitchen for Ian McEwan, novelist.
Artists desk/work-station for Mrs Armati, Henley. Carved desk for Mr Getley, Ipsden
1998
Library
and table for Dr Hyman, tutor in Aesthetics, The Queens College, Oxford
1999
Carved
bed and wardrobes for Dr Hyman, Oxford
2000
Bishop’s
chair and prie dieu for Holy Trinity Church, Henley-on-Thames. Carved bookcases
for Mr Mullard, Radley School
2001
Altar
rails for St James, Pangbourne. Coffee table for Dr and Mrs Oram, London. Desk
for Mr Crawford, London
2000
Design
for altar furniture, St Mary’s Church, Henley. Bespoke kitchen for Mr McHugh,
Reading. Sideboard with video and CD storage for Mr Bucket, Henley
2001
Refurbishment
designs, riddell posts and candlesticks for St Birinus Church, Dorchester. Bespoke kitchen and wardrobes for Mr &
Mrs Hart, Woodcote
2004
Carved
notice boards, missalette holder and bench for St Birinus Church, Dorchester.
Study for Dr Hyman, Oxford. Chapter room table and ten upholstered chairs for
Blackfriars, Oxford
2005
Sacristy
for St Birinus Church. Design proposal for new choir stalls, Dorchester Abbey
2006
Chapel
interior for Sacred Heart Church, Henley on Thames. Gates, welcome posts and
lecterns for Nothmoor Trust. Suite of furniture for multi-faith room, Nuffield
Orthopaedic Hospital