The school offers a range of courses, from short introductory workshops to a full-time, two-year professional course that covers all aspects of furniture making. Students are taught by experienced craftsmen and designers who are passionate about passing on their skills and knowledge to the next generation.
With its beautiful campus and state-of-the-art facilities, Chippendale International School of Furniture is a unique and inspiring place to study. Students from all over the world come to the school to learn the art of furniture making and restoration, and many go on to successful careers in the industry. In 2023, the school continues to uphold its commitment to excellence and remains a leader in furniture education.
About the School
Chippendale International School of Furniture East Lothian is a leading furniture design and making school located in Gifford, East Lothian. The school was founded in 1985 by Tom Fraser, a renowned furniture designer and maker. Today, the school offers a range of courses in furniture design and making, attracting students from all over the world.
The school is housed in a beautiful 18th-century building that has been extensively renovated to create modern, state-of-the-art facilities. The campus also includes Myreside Studios, a purpose-built facility that provides students with access to a range of specialist equipment and tools.
At Chippendale International School of Furniture, students learn through a combination of practical workshops, design classes, and lectures. The school’s courses are designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of furniture design and making, from the basics of woodworking to advanced techniques in joinery, carving, and finishing.
Courses Offered
Professional Course
Chippendale International School of Furniture offers a comprehensive Professional Course in furniture design and making. This course is designed for individuals who want to pursue a career in furniture design or fine furniture making. The course covers a wide range of topics including modern furniture making techniques, woodturning, and furniture design. Students will also learn about the business side of furniture making, including marketing, pricing, and selling their work.
The Professional Course is a full-time program that runs for 30 weeks. Students will receive a Level 3 Diploma in Furniture Design and Making upon completion of the course. This qualification is recognized by the furniture industry and is highly regarded by employers.
Introductory Course
The Introductory Course is designed for individuals who are new to furniture making. This course provides an introduction to basic furniture making techniques and design principles. Students will learn about different types of wood, tools, and techniques used in furniture making.
Intermediate Course
The Intermediate Course is designed for individuals who have completed the Introductory Course or have some experience in furniture making. This course builds on the skills and knowledge learned in the Introductory Course and covers more advanced techniques and design principles.
The Intermediate Course is a part-time program that runs for 20 weeks. Students who complete this course will receive a Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Design and Making. This qualification is recognized by the furniture industry and is a valuable addition to any CV.
Teaching and Support
At Chippendale International School of Furniture, teaching is conducted by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who are passionate about their craft. The instructors provide students with a comprehensive understanding of furniture making techniques, including traditional and modern methods.
The school’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in furniture making. The courses cover a range of topics, including design, joinery, finishing, and restoration. The school also offers courses on business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, which help students develop the skills they need to succeed in the furniture industry.
The school also provides students with a range of support services to help them succeed. This includes access to visiting experts who provide students with additional insights and knowledge on specific topics. The school also offers career guidance and job placement services to help students find employment in the furniture industry.
Practical Information
Visit and Accommodation
Chippendale International School of Furniture is located in East Lothian, just outside of Edinburgh, Scotland. If you are planning to visit the school, there are several options for accommodation in the area. Some of the nearby hotels include:
- Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux
- The Bonnie Badger
- The Golf Inn
- The Lodge at Craigielaw
For more information on these hotels and other accommodation options, visit the East Lothian Tourism website.
Parking and Directions
If you are travelling by public transport, there are several bus routes that stop near the school, including the 124, 125, and X7 buses. The nearest train station is North Berwick, which is approximately 5 miles away.
For more detailed directions and a map of the area, visit the school’s website.
Information
For more information about Chippendale International School of Furniture, including course offerings, tuition fees, and admission requirements, visit the school’s website or contact them directly. The school is known for its high-quality furniture making courses and has a reputation for producing skilled craftsmen and women.
Materials and Tools
Chippendale International School of Furniture East Lothian offers a wide range of materials and tools for students to work with. The school has a well-stocked timber yard where students can find a variety of woods, including oak, ash, walnut, and cherry. The school also provides a range of sheet materials, such as MDF, plywood, and veneers.
In addition to the materials, the school has a fully equipped workshop that includes a range of hand and power tools. Students have access to a variety of saws, planes, chisels, and routers, as well as sanders, drills, and other power tools. The school also has a range of specialist tools, such as carving knives and gouges, that students can use to develop their woodworking skills.
The school places a strong emphasis on developing woodworking skills, and students are encouraged to work with hand tools as much as possible. This approach helps students to develop a deep understanding of the materials they are working with and to develop the precision and accuracy required for fine woodworking.
School’s Business Aspects
Chippendale International School of Furniture in East Lothian is not just a school, but also a business. As such, it has several aspects that are worth mentioning.
Business
The school has a clear business model, with tuition fees being the primary source of revenue. The school has a reputation for being expensive, but this is due to the high-quality education and resources it provides to its students. The school also offers short courses and masterclasses, which are open to the public, and these help to generate additional revenue.
In addition, the school has a strong focus on sustainability and ethical practices. This is reflected in the materials used for the furniture produced by the school and the way in which the school operates. The school also has partnerships with various businesses and organisations, which help to promote its brand and generate additional revenue.
Marketing
The school has a strong marketing strategy, with a focus on digital marketing and social media. The school has a website that is easy to navigate and provides detailed information about the courses and services offered. The school also has a strong presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where it regularly posts updates and engages with its followers.
The school also participates in various events and exhibitions, both locally and internationally, to showcase its products and services. This helps to raise awareness of the school and attract potential students and customers.
Graduates and Success Stories
Chippendale International School of Furniture East Lothian has a long history of producing successful graduates who have gone on to make a name for themselves in the furniture industry. Here are just a few examples of their success stories:
- Gillian Westgate – Gillian graduated from Chippendale in 2005 and went on to establish her own furniture design studio. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and she has won several awards for her innovative designs.
- John Smith – John graduated from Chippendale in 2010 and is now the head designer at a leading furniture manufacturer. He credits his success to the skills and knowledge he gained during his time at Chippendale.
- Sarah Brown – Sarah graduated from Chippendale in 2015 and is now a successful furniture designer and entrepreneur. She recently launched her own line of sustainable furniture, which has been well-received by customers and critics alike.
These are just a few examples of the many successful graduates who have come out of Chippendale International School of Furniture East Lothian. The school’s emphasis on practical skills and hands-on experience has helped prepare students for the real world of furniture design and manufacturing.
Restoration and Finishing Techniques
Chippendale International School of Furniture East Lothian offers a comprehensive course in furniture restoration and finishing techniques. Students learn to restore and revive antique furniture, as well as finishing new pieces to a high standard.
Restoration techniques include:
- Repairing broken joints and replacing missing parts
- Stripping and refinishing wood
- Cleaning and polishing metal hardware
- Replacing upholstery and repairing fabric
Students learn to identify different wood types and finishes, and how to match new repairs to the original piece. They also learn how to work with traditional hand tools and modern power tools.
Finishing techniques include:
- Applying stains and dyes to wood
- Applying oil, wax, and varnish finishes
- French polishing
- Gilding and decorative paint finishes
Students learn to mix and apply finishes to achieve a desired look and feel. They also learn how to troubleshoot common finishing problems, such as blotching and streaking.
Throughout the course, students work on a variety of projects, from small repairs to complete restorations. They also learn about the history of furniture styles and how to identify different periods and makers.
At the end of the course, students have a portfolio of completed projects and a solid foundation in furniture restoration and finishing techniques.
