Polished Thoughts: From Concept to Craft

The Gordon Russell Design Museum presents a show of award winning contemporary furniture to be opened by the avant garde British furniture designer/maker Fred Baier on 9 March 2012. Established in 2009 the annual Gordon Russell/Rycotewood prize, sponsored by Hands of Wycombe, celebrates the continuing legacy of Gordon Russell. This is the first time that these prize winning designs have gone on display in the Gordon Russell Design Museum. Delighted former students said that: ‘Winning the Gordon Russell award has meant a great deal to me. To have my name associated with Gordon Russell…is a great accolade for any young furniture designer/maker. It was confirmation that the work I was producing was achieving the right levels of design and craftmanship’. Tom Pugh (2009). ‘The recognition of experts within one's own field is highly valued, so I received the Gordon Russell Prize in 2010 with pride and immense satisfaction. It is very rewarding to be associated with fine craftsmanship and excellent design’. Pete Beckley (2010). ‘I had seen the two previous winner’s work as it was being made…and was blown away by the quality and level of craftsmanship. To be allowed to exhibit alongside them is an honour…It was a valuable experience to present our concepts and later our finished pieces to them [HANDS who judged the award].’ Ben Croft (2011) As well as the finished pieces this exhibition will feature their original concept design and working drawing. Also on display will be contemporary glass and textile designs. Richard Paice, Chairman of the Trustees of the Gordon Russell Design Museum said: ‘The combination of clear design thinking and exceptional craftsmanship would have appealed to Gordon Russell ‘s vision of the fusion of hand and machine. These pieces on show are exemplars of quality design and knowledge of materials’. With his playful sense of maths, engineering and colour Fred Baier has redefined contemporary furniture. His work features in the permanent collection of the V&A and he is currently artist-in-residence for the House of Lords. The Trustees are delighted that he has agreed join them in this new venture by the museum, to provide new talent with an opportunity to display their skills. Located just off the High Street in the Cotswolds town of Broadway the Gordon Russell Design Museum illustrates the work and influence of the renowned 20th century furniture designer Sir Gordon Russell (1892-1980). Sir Terence Conran believes that ‘Gordon Russell’s multi-faceted life should be an inspiration to everybody’. The work of both Gordon Russell and Fred Baier feature in the forthcoming major exhibition at the V&A Museum British Design 1948-2012: Innovation in the Modern Age 31 March-12 August 2012