Tom Raffield Skipper: A Masterful Fusion of Craftsmanship and Sustainability
The Story of Tom Raffield
Tom Raffield is a British furniture designer and maker, known for his exquisite craftsmanship and pioneering use of sustainable materials. Born in Cornwall, Raffield grew up amid the region’s stunning natural beauty and was inspired by its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and dense woodlands. He honed his skills in furniture-making at Falmouth University, where he later returned as a lecturer in sustainable design.
In 2008, Raffield established his eponymous furniture brand, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs and eco-friendly practices. He and his team handcraft each piece in their Cornish workshop using locally sourced wood and low-impact production methods, such as steam-bending and traditional joinery. The result is furniture that is not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable and ethical.
The Skipper Chair
One of the standout pieces in Tom Raffield’s collection is the Skipper Chair, a stunningly sculptural piece that embodies the designer’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. The chair features a curved backrest and seat, both of which are made from sustainably sourced oak that has been gently bent and shaped using steam. The oak frame is joined together with copper fixings, adding an elegant touch of warmth and contrast to the pale wood.
The Skipper Chair is a masterful fusion of organic form and industrial technique, with every curve and line articulating the natural beauty of the wood. The chair’s design is at once contemporary and timeless, with a sense of lightness and fluidity that belies its sturdy construction. It is a testament to Raffield’s skill as a designer and maker, as well as his passion for sustainable and ethical practices.
The Sustainability of Tom Raffield’s Work
Tom Raffield’s commitment to sustainability runs deep through every aspect of his work. The wood he uses in his furniture is sourced from local suppliers who practice responsible forestry, ensuring that each tree is replanted once it is harvested. The energy used in his workshop is sourced from renewable sources, and waste is minimized through careful planning and repurposing of materials. Even the packaging he uses to ship his furniture is made from recycled and recyclable materials.
But sustainability for Raffield is not just about reducing environmental impact. He also takes great care to ensure that his work has a positive social impact, particularly through supporting local craftspeople and preserving traditional skills. He works with a network of local makers and artisans, who help him to realize his designs and contribute their own expertise to the process. By doing so, he is helping to sustain the craft traditions of his region and supporting the livelihoods of other skilled makers.
Conclusion: The Art of Sustainability
The Skipper Chair and the work of Tom Raffield offer a compelling example of a new approach to furniture-making, one that emphasizes the art and craft of design and the sustainability of production. Through his innovative use of materials and techniques, Raffield is redefining what it means to create beautiful and functional furniture that is also ethical and responsible.
His work is a reminder that sustainability is not a constraint on creativity or quality, but rather an opportunity to explore new forms, materials, and techniques. It is an invitation to reimagine the relationship between design, production, and the planet, and to redefine what it means to create things of lasting beauty.
With designers like Tom Raffield at the forefront of this movement, we can begin to see a world in which sustainability and craftsmanship are no longer in conflict but are instead harmoniously intertwined, creating a new paradigm of beauty and creativity.
