National School of Furniture set to launch

The new school will launch on 11 November and provide furniture-related education courses up to PhD level. The school’s partners say it will also have strong links to industry and will aim to promote careers in furniture.

It will also aim to provide a resource for the furniture industry, including the development of an archive for historical reference, as well as acting as a research base and test bed for new furniture projects.

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers will act in an advisory capacity to the school, its students and staff.

Dr Lynn Jones, furniture department manager at Bucks New University, says, ‘Between the two educational centres we believe we can really help people to get where they want to be, whether they are students starting to study an aspect of the subject for the very first time, or established industry personnel in need of trainees, managers, skills or just advice.’

Chris Hyde, furniture manager at Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, says, ‘This is a key time for the furniture industry and it is vital that the education sector and employers invest in skills for growth.’