Journal
Matthew Cox studio assistant Rachel Glinsman recently took part in the 80 Years of the Arts Council Collection exhibition at Christie's. The King’s Foundation’s CREATE programme at Highgrove contributed to the exhibition, selecting just five alumni, one to represent each year since the course began.
I recently had the pleasure of being invited to a reception at the iconic Christie’s in London to celebrate 80 years of the Arts Council Collection. There was an impressive line-up of work on display, from some of the biggest names in the contemporary art world alongside a new generation of emerging talent. The exhibition was also interspersed with furniture by alumni of The King’s Foundation’s CREATE: Rethinking Wood for Furniture course at Highgrove, which is where I come in. It was a privilege to be selected as one of five alumni, each representing a different year of the course, having been part of the second cohort shortly before joining Matthew Cox.
My Facet Chair, which I designed and made on the course while exploring the intricate patterns and tactile qualities of end-grain sweet chestnut, was displayed neighbouring works by Vanessa Raw, Christina Kimeze, and the prolific late David Hockney.
It was a unique coming together of British timber and British art, with my fellow alumni showcasing timbers such as ash, oak and beech, all of which are central to the CREATE course, which focuses on design and making using exclusively British-grown timber. This focus is also finding its way into the range at Matthew Cox, through our collaboration with Woodland Heritage for our recent open day, and the introduction of the milk table series in a range of British timbers.
A hugely memorable evening, and a meaningful example of the supportive nature of the arts in the UK, with an unexpected and exciting crossover between fine art and fine furniture.
Words: Rachel Glinsman
Photography: Christies and Rachel Glinsman
