Celebrating Excellence: Four Waters & Acland Alumni Have Now Been Awarded Bespoke Guild Marks!
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate four talented alumni of Waters & Acland Fine Furniture School who have each been awarded a Bespoke Guild Mark by The Furniture Makers’ Company — one of the most prestigious recognitions in British furniture making.
These marks of excellence celebrate the very best in design, craftsmanship, and innovation in bespoke furniture. Each of these pieces represents the culmination of creativity, dedication, and a deep respect for the materials that define fine furniture making.
A heartfelt thank you to The Furniture Makers’ Company for their continued support of craftsmanship and design excellence in our industry.
BGM 485 — The Gemini Cabinet
by Clare Ng
Named after the fabled twins of the zodiac, The Gemini Cabinet features two symmetrical doors adorned with beautifully carved sculptural handles. Crafted entirely from European oak, it radiates warmth through soft, silky-smooth edges and tactile detailing.
At its centre lies a touch of surprise — what appears to be a fixed shelf conceals a hidden magnetic mechanism that allows the user to rotate the central section, revealing more shelving within.
After training at Waters & Acland in 2021, Clare Ng’s bold creativity and fine attention to detail have defined her work. Her designs highlight the natural beauty and versatility of wood, blending subtle complexity with function and form.
Follow Clare on Instagram: @clarewoodworks
BGM 494 — 1988 Sideboard
by Sam Attard
The 1988 Sideboard is a study in natural patterns and texture, inspired by the microscopic beauty of dermal denticles — the skin of a Hammerhead Shark. The hand-routed doors invite tactile exploration, while fumed European oak and brushed brass accents create a warm, luxurious presence.
Having begun his design career in fine jewellery, Samuel Attard brought his meticulous eye for detail to furniture design after training at Waters & Acland in 2021. His work strikes a balance between drama, precision, and elegance — transforming functional furniture into sculptural art.
Follow Sam on Instagram: @samuelattardfurniture
BGM 497 — Oomugi: A Japanese Whisky Shrine
by Ed Rylan
Inspired by the shrines of Japan, Oomugi reimagines whisky drinking as a ritual of reverence. Drawing on Arts and Crafts traditions and Japanese yosegi-zaiku parquetry, the piece celebrates barley cultivation — the heart of whisky — through symbolic contrasts of cherry and sycamore wood.
Each detail, from the hand-turned trays to the abstract parquetry doors, honours craftsmanship, nature, and the passage of the seasons.
Ed Rylan, who retrained at Waters & Acland in 2022 following a career in television production, is known for uniting traditional influences with contemporary design, resulting in thoughtful and refined works of art.
BGM 476 — Guilloché Bedside Tables
by Fernanda Nuñez
These exquisite bedside tables were Fernanda Nuñez’s first self-designed project — an ambitious six-month undertaking that demanded over 100 hours of intricate carving and sanding.
Drawing inspiration from the Guilloché engraving technique once used in fine metalwork, Fernanda translated its rhythmic movement into wood, pairing the luminous quality of maple with dark, bamboo-inspired framing. Each table hides a secret shallow drawer, marrying beauty with practicality.
Her work embodies her belief that furniture should be unique, meaningful, and enduring — designed to tell stories and accompany generations.
Follow Fernanda on Instagram: @woodchuckchick
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
Each of these remarkable makers began their journey with us at Waters & Acland, and we couldn’t be prouder of the creative paths they’ve forged. Whether in their own workshops or as part of the Furniture Makers Collective, they exemplify the craft, discipline, and artistry that define fine furniture making today.
We’re deeply grateful to The Furniture Makers’ Company for recognising their work and for their dedication to supporting excellence within the British furniture industry.
The level of work produced is amazing! So beautiful! Bravo!
Thank you! 🙏🏻