Elle Decoration March 2011

Get Fresh 15 Jan - 27 Feb

Selected by Tavs Jorgensen, Myself and a group of the freshest, most exciting emerging makers have been chosen to take part in the Guild's biennial exhibition aimed at highlighting the best that the South West region has to offer.
This is a chance to see new interventions in print, wood, textiles, glass, ceramics, jewellery and resin. Jan 11.

Art Thread

Mike is also a designer with sustainability at the core of his work. His shelf unit and chest of drawers in bamboo were both clever and practical and revealed the great attention to detail that won him the Devon Guild of Craftsmanship Award at his degree show in Plymouth.

Bamboo is the most sustainable material that exists; it is low cost, grows fast, has great strength. Mike has used modern production methods, including the latest computer milling, to ensure accuracy and minimal waste of materials. His shelf system features unique slotted layers, allowing pieces to be re-positioned to suit the individual and is finished with the latest natural eco oils.

De/ design exchange

The Devon Guild of Craftsmen

Mike Charlton's furniture was chosen from work at the end of year Art Showcase. Judge Philippa de Burlet, Education Officer at the Devon Guild said: "The Devon Guild of Craftsmen is delighted to award its 2010 Designer Maker prize to Mike Charlton. We were impressed by Mike's eye for design, his use of sustainable material, and his sense of direction. We are looking forward to having his work on show at Riverside Mill."

The idea of the Prize came about when a Guild Co-director, Sarah James, came to the Showcase last year and was 'blown over' by the quality of the design on show. She wanted to celebrate this and the Prize was set up.

A delighted Mike said; "Bamboo is a material that is only just starting to be used in the production of furniture. I really wanted to design a range of furniture that made the best use of its features, not just as an alternative to wood.

"I used a milling machine to drill into the bamboo and to expose the different layers of production. This created a nice effect. I wanted to turn this into something with a functional purpose. The drawers fit into the grooves."

The Prize is a month-long showcase in September at the Guild's Bovey Tracey gallery, and will coincide with the major touring exhibition of the diverse work of eminent furniture maker and designer John Makepeace OBE. Mike added; "It was really great to win this competition, as I'm hoping to start my own company that designs and makes bamboo furniture and to display my work along side of John Makepeace is a really good starting point to do this."

Polly Macpherson, Lecturer in 3D Design, said; "This is a fantastic opportunity for Mike and we are delighted that his work will be on show in such a prestigious venue."

Bristol Design Festival

A confident 2nd year Designer Maker student will be showing his work at the Bristol Design Festival's Eco Design Show alongside other established eco designers.
Mike Charlton will be showing his Plastic Bag Monster as well as this Fold Flat Stool that can be made from recycled Corex sheets.