Championing British Craft at Buckingham Palace
It's not often that you have to pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming. There are moments in your career where you pause, take a breath, and realise just how fortunate you've been to witness something truly special unfold.
Recently we had one of those moments.
Our founder Alex was privileged to accompany Joseph Robinson as they met up with Jason Clancy inside Buckingham Palace. Joseph, who won the Christopher Claxton Stevens award for the best piece of furniture as judged by the Bespoke Guild Mark committee, was in town for the day, meeting designers and some of the judges who recognised the exceptional quality of his work.
Joseph's work is nothing short of sublime. Both the quality of manufacture and the unique aesthetic he has created speak to something deeply personal in his pieces. There's a precision and poetry to his craftsmanship that captures exactly what British furniture making can be at its finest. The team at Multipli have also helped connect Joseph with designers who share a similar aesthetic vision, and we're delighted to say his work was extraordinarily well received.
Connecting Past, Present, and Future
Jason Clancy, a furniture conservator who takes care of the furniture collection for the Royal Household, met them for coffee and shared insights into some of his current projects. Listening to him speak about the delicate art of preserving these historic pieces whilst ensuring they remain functional for their intended purpose was fascinating. Here was someone whose daily work involves maintaining centuries of British craftsmanship, quite literally keeping the heritage alive.
The day highlighted something we've long believed about British craft, it's both precious and delicate, requiring constant nurturing and connection between generations. This wasn't simply about celebrating Joseph's achievement (though that was certainly worth celebrating) it was about contributing to the future of British craft by connecting a designer and maker of tomorrow with live projects and designers of today.
Championing Excellence
All credit must go to The Furniture Makers' Company for sustaining the Bespoke Guild Mark to champion excellence in the craft of fine furniture designing and making. Initiatives like these don't happen by accident. They require vision, commitment, and the recognition that investing in emerging talent is investing in the future of the craft itself.
As Alex reflected on the day whilst walking through the palace gates, there was that familiar sense of being moved and inspired by the dedication of those around him. He went formally to support Joseph's professional development, but left feeling energised by witnessing the generosity of spirit that exists within our community.
Thanks to everyone who helped make the day happen. These are the moments that remind us why collaboration, not transformation, lies at the heart of everything we do at Multipli. When we work together to support talented creatives and artisans, extraordinary things become possible.