Edward Johnson Furniture

Open Studios 2022

6th April 2022

Chichester Art Trail Open Studios 2022: WHAT IS AN OPEN STUDIO? "An Open Studio is an experience in itself. It offers the exciting invitation to see artists’ [and designers'] work in the context of its creation". - CAT Open Studios provide the ideal opportunity to see inside the very place where ideas and concepts creatively come to fruition. Edward's studio and workshop is at the very heart of his business, and he would like to 'open the doors' and share it with you as part of the Chichester Art Trail. It is an ideal opportunity to visit (or revisit). You will be able to see a display of Edward’s furniture, see work in progress, meet some of the team, and of course, most importantly, Ed will be available to discuss his work, techniques, and design inspiration. We would love to meet you for the first time or see you once again at this event. We will be open over the two weekends of the trail: Saturday 30 April, Sunday 1 May and Saturday 7, Sunday 8 May 2022 from 10.30am to 5pm daily (please note we are closed on the bank holiday Monday). All welcome!* Open studios 2021 showing a selection of Edward's furniture set up in the workshop. Ed first joined the Chichester Art Trail in 2018, and this is his fourth open studio with the trail (2020 was missed for obvious reasons!!). The fabulous Nicola Hancock (former Chair of CAT) conducted a studio interview with Ed back then, that is still highly relevant today. In the interview Ed discusses the studio, workshop, tools, and the daily routine. Read the interview... What is your normal day in the workshop like?Lights on, kettle on, and check that my fellow cabinet makers are clear on what needs doing for the day. Nowadays, more of my time is spent in the studio and visiting clients, but I also still work at the bench especially when we have complicated projects on. My typical day involves keeping the team busy, whether that is designing the next project, selecting timber and materials, producing production drawings, problem solving and project management or hands on making. My list is long and varied.From an interview between Edward Johnson & Nicola Hancock A selection of products from our Eco Collection on display in the workshop at the 2021 opens studios. This year the Chichester Art Trail Open Studios celebrates its 21st anniversary and sees 159 local artists exhibiting a wide range of work across 132 venues in and around the city of Chichester, West Sussex. We are at venue 41: Edward Johnson Ltd, Pea Barn, Old Park Farm, Old Park Lane, Bosham, Chichester PO18 8EX Please find directions here. If you have any questions about the event, please give us a call on 01243 696606 or send us an email: info@edwardjohnsonstudio.co.uk or a message through our contact form. *Please note: We politely request that all children are accompanied by an adult due to the nature of the workshop setting. Download a copy of the Art Trail brochure. < back to news

Murano Collection

21st March 2022

The Murano Collection is one of Edward Johnson’s signature styles, and is made using a unique technique that has been developed and perfected in his workshop. Edward’s work is the product of a deep understanding of his materials and the desire to explore its possibilities. His creative approach allows him to think outside of the box and push the boundaries of his materials. Edward describes his Murano technique as:‘manipulating the grain of wood as an artist would manipulate paint with a brush’. Edward's designs are often conceptually based, but with form and function always at the fore. He perceives both beauty and usefulness in equal parts when designing and developing his ideas into thought-provoking, fluid and tactile forms. One of his principal aims is to challenge our understanding of what is possible, which he achieves through creative aptitude and his mastered ability to engineer in wood. https://vimeo.com/685873053 Edward making the Murano Cento extending dining table Samples of our Murano veneers in: oak, olive ash and ash; fumed oak and brown oak; ash and olive ash; oak, brown oak and fumed oak; elm and fumed oak; walnut and fumed oak. Spotlight on the Murano Collection The Murano Collection was originally inspired by a visit to the island of Murano, where Venetian master craftsmen have been producing glassware for centuries, by floating layers of different coloured glass through one another to produce exquisite patterns. Our Murano veneers have been developed and perfected in our workshop and are all made in-house. They have been adapted to form wavy, radial and straight designs. Each veneer uses contrasting timbers to add texture or to create a blended effect. The various patterns result in carefully matched sweeping lines and curves that engulf the entire surface of the furniture. This collection again stems from Edward’s interest and expertise in laminating. This time his aim was to develop an organic free-flowing form reminiscent of Venetian glass. To create this effect, hundreds of thin strips of wood are cut in the workshop and reconfigured, resulting in sweeping lines and curves bringing soft and organic patterns to the angular forms. The Murano veneers can be constructed in a wide range and combination of timbers and applied to almost any of our designs. Read more about Edward’s ‘Family Tree’ concept that adds an extra dimension and personalises our Murano commissions. 'Radiant' chest of drawers The Radiant chest of drawers is made from fumed oak, brown oak, oak, olive ash and ash. Dimensions: 110cm (w) x 85cm (h) x 42cm (d). 'Radiant' desk Desk - Fumed & Brown Oak The Radiant desk is made from fumed oak and brown oak.Dimensions: 198cm (w) x 75cm (h) x 75cm (d). The Radiant desk was awarded a prestigious Bespoke Guild Mark in 2019 (Guild Mark No. 475). 'Family Tree' heirloom box The Family Tree heirloom box shown in elm and fumed oak.Dimensions: 38cm (w) x 15cm (h) x 23.5cm (d). 'Squaring the Circle' jewellery box The Squaring the Circle jewellery box is made from elm and maple.Dimensions: 18cm (w) x 19cm (h) x 18cm (d). 'Patchwork' sewing desk The Patchwork sewing desk is made from oak, brown oak and fumed oak.Dimensions: 170cm – extending to 230cm (w) x 78cm (h) x 65cm – extending to 130cm (d).Read more here. 'Murano' sideboard The Murano sideboard is made from ash, olive ash, fumed oak and brown oak. Dimensions: 186cm (w) x 116 (h) x 48cm (d).Read more here. 'Centrum I' chest of drawers The Centrum chest of drawers is made from walnut with an oak starburst and oak interior.Dimensions: 65cm (w) x 59cm (h) x 47cm (d). 'Centrum II' chest The Centrum II chest is made from oak, brown oak, scorched oak and cedar. Dimensions: 180cm (w) x 57.5cm (h) x 50cm (d). 'Murano Cento' dining table The Murano Cento extending dining table is made from walnut with brushed brass effect legs. Dimensions: 75cm (h) x 110cm (d) x 240cm extending to 410cm (l). < back to news

Graylingwell Chapel

8th March 2022

Over the past twelve months we have had the pleasure of working on part of the project to re-develop Graylingwell Chapel, a Grade II listed building that was once part of the former Graylingwell Hospital in Chichester. Graylingwell Chapel interior showing some of the display cabinets and the Chancel bench under the stained glass window. We have collaborated and contributed to the furnishing of the Chapel and have been involved in making display cabinets for artefacts, a large Chancel seating area with integrated lights and headphones, movable and fixed storage cabinets, a play area including a slide and tunnel, and a fitted café area. The Chancel bench with integrated lighting and headphones. The building is owned by the Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT) who have been restoring and redeveloping the Chapel as part of a larger development of the remaining hospital buildings, with the Chapel being the only original building still accessible to the public. The chapel is now ‘a multi-purpose space that preserves the site’s heritage through informative displays, engaging activities and opportunities for learning and social interaction’. The opening night. The Chapel was officially opened on Friday 4th March 2022 by the brilliant Hugh Bonneville and has a full programme of activities and events planned. The project has received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund alongside many other project partners. The whole project and the Chapel’s history is documented comprehensively on the Graylingwell Chapel website. Many people have come together, collaborated, and worked hard to bring this community project to life, providing a wonderful space for the public to use. It is an absolute triumph, and we were delighted to be involved! There’s also a page about Edward on the CCDT website that you might like to visit. Musicians at the opening night in the Chancel. < back to news

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