Celebrating Student Triumphs in 2025
2025 has proven to be an exceptional year for our students and alumni at W&A, marked by remarkable accolades and notable achievements. One of the highlights was our impressive presence in The International Wood Review Student Award, a very competitive platform for aspiring makers seeking recognition. We are proud to announce that three of our students secured spots in the top ten, with Helen Burnip taking the prestigious first place with her outstanding piece, the Thorax Cabinet.
In Helen’s words: “A sculptural interpretation of the human form, blending fine furniture making with anatomical inspiration. The cabinet draws directly from human anatomy, particularly the chest and shoulder—areas that carry weight, protection, and offer strength. The carcase is supported by a frame that mimics the ribcage in its protective and structural role, while the joints where the rails meet the legs are subtly reminiscent of the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder.
These rounded connections draw a parallel between the engineered joints in furniture and those in the human body, a nod to the body’s capacity to adapt, flex, and respond to its environment—just as furniture must. The piece explores the connection between the human form and how we interact with furniture. Just as an arm supports, reaches, and holds, the form of the cabinet reflects these functions in its structure.”
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
The Thorax Cabinet captured the judges’ attention with its originality and clarity of concept, beautifully realized with sensitivity and skill. The use of olive ash for the cabinet interiors, along with refined external joinery reflecting human joints, demonstrates a remarkable engagement with technique, material, and meaning, successfully transforming the piece into something poetic and compelling. “Stunning—well done!” exclaimed Michelle Boyde.
Helen’s piece showcases an impressive balance of high detail and restraint, beautifully crafted and executed. The careful material selection and grain layout enhance the inviting and tactile human anatomy-inspired detailing. Andrew Ward described the flatsawn grain on the ribcage structure as smart and impactful, drawing the eye to the rounded profiles where the drawer fronts meet the outer structure “like muscle wrapped around bone.”
Other Achievements
W&A’s other talented students in the top ten include:
– 4th Place: Johanna Patricia Rojas Echeverry with ‘Kay-Uku Pacha’ (sapele, ash). Inspired by the indigenous people’s connection with nature and cosmology, Johanna’s piece seeks to reclaim the relationship between our upper and underworlds.
– 8th Place: Rory Gilmore with ‘Barbican Bedsides’ (native ash and European oak). A tribute to London’s iconic Barbican Centre, Rory’s project reflects his journey from the corporate world to embracing woodworking, symbolizing how architecture can influence contemporary furniture design.
– 10th Place: Dan Williams with his coffee table (walnut), showcasing a seamless blend of modern minimalism and mid-century influence.
At the New Furniture Makers Exhibition in London, our students continued their success. Jennifer Seastone earned Second Place in the Empty Chair Design Award for her organically sculptural ‘Sylva Chair’. Additionally, Rory Gilmore once again shone with his ‘Barbican Bedsides’, securing Second Place in the Bespoke Award.
We couldn’t be prouder of our students for their creative brilliance and dedication to their craft. Their hard work and innovative designs have truly made 2025 a year to remember at W&A.
Courses
If you’d like to quickly elevate your woodworking skills and have a chance at winning prestigious awards, a good place to start is with one of our famous courses. With limited availability for some programs, now is the perfect time to secure your spot and begin your journey toward becoming an award-winning designer maker. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your passion into success!
12-Week Fine Furniture Making Course — Immerse yourself in an intensive 12-week journey into the art of fine furniture making at Waters & Acland — perfect for beginners and aspiring makers ready to elevate their skills. Under expert guidance, you’ll master essential hand tool techniques, precision joinery, and woodworking machinery through a series of thoughtfully structured projects that progress from skill builders to complex pieces like a high stool and a piston-fit drawer chest. With only a handful of places available each year, this creative and transformative experience is ideal for anyone serious about crafting heirloom-quality furniture and deeply connecting with traditional and contemporary workshop practices.
4-Week Fine Furniture Making Course — Discover the joy of woodworking in just four weeks with this skill-packed fine furniture making course designed for both beginners and those with some experience. You’ll build confidence with hand planes, chisels, and joinery on foundational projects like a Chinese puzzle and octagonal cutting board, before creating a beautifully crafted table with exposed joints and a stunning circular tri-table with a marquetry top. Limited to very small groups for focused attention, this course offers a hands-on, inspiring experience and leaves you with elegant handmade pieces to treasure — all while learning techniques taught by award-winning designers.
Short course bookings can be made online. For long course enquiries, please contact Oliver Waters at: school@watersandacland.co.uk
For full details on all courses, visit:
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