Welcome to 18! This exhibition is a joyful celebration of the coming of age of the Centre for Fine Woodworking – 18 years in the making and proudly creating a future generation of talented makers and teachers. Seventeen invited makers who all have a strong bond and association with the school either as a founding member, tutor, mentor, graduate student – all having in common that they are practising makers and passionate makers.

Each piece has been created specifically for this exhibition and before your eyes you are seeing the largest collection of contemporary hand crafted furniture in Aotearoa New Zealand. Some makers have been making for decades – some for no more than a year or two but all have learned their skills under the guidance of the Centre for Fine Woodworking. The generation of makers who set up the school have produced a new generation of highly skilled makers and tutors who will continue to pass on these time honoured skills to the next generation.

Feast your eyes on these stunning heirlooms of the future and enjoy.

william bayliss

Will was a truly gifted maker, who sadly passed away in November 2024, shortly after returning home to Australia. He is remembered as one of the most talented and brightest stars in the world of fine woodworking in the southern hemisphere. Will’s first visit to The Centre for Fine Woodworking was in 2020 when he was awarded the prestigious and inaugural scholarship to attend Michael Fortune’s residency programme, beating over fifty other applicants for the place even though he was by far the youngest. Will had immense natural talent and without a doubt was born to make. He returned to CFW earlier this year to be an integral part of the 2024 Michael Fortune Residency. The way he so willingly shared his knowledge and encouraged his fellow students was all part of what made Will such a well-respected young man. 

Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā, e hoa  - We hold you in our hearts

Bunyjul occasional table

Ebonised American Cherry. Measures 119cm wide x 83.7cm high x 40.5cm deep.

This was the last piece of work Will made.

NFS

ROB BENTLEY

Rob Bentley is a part-time luthier who originally designed and taught the first guitar making courses offered here at the Centre for Fine Woodworking. Currently living in Richmond, he takes commission for custom built guitars and repairs. His students had a marvellous opportunity to create a custom made guitar of their dreams – an electric guitar in two weeks and a bespoke acoustic guitar in three weeks. This electric guitar was built by Rob as a teaching aid during one of his courses.

electric guitar (fender stratocaster design)

Ash, Maple, Bubinga & Rosewood. Measures 32cm wide x 95cm long x 7cm deep.

$2,000

valentin botcazou

I am a 24-year-old cabinetmaker from France. I started my career in this field in 2020, retraining after an engineering master’s degree in materials science. I studied and worked as an apprentice in France for 3 years. Fully dedicating my weeks to furniture making. I worked for my company from Monday to Friday and created for my own work at the weekends. In 2022 I received a French award recognizing me as a “deserving apprentice” and in 2023 I was awarded second place in the regional arts and crafts competition organized by the National French Institute of Craftsmanship (INMA). In September 2023, after completing a second diploma in furniture making, I arrived in Nelson to start a post-graduation exchange program at the Center for Fine Woodworking. I worked as a workshop technician/teaching assistant, and it was during these first months that I began working on the Golf side table. In January 2024, I was invited to join the 2024 Artist in Residency programme led by Michael Fortune & Lou Fuller where I developed the Kumiko Hi-Fi cabinet. Both of my pieces were entered into the Australian Wood Review’s 2024 Maker of the Year competition.

golf table

American White Oak, Ash & European Beech. Measures 43cm wide x 48cm high x 41cm deep.

The Golf Table is a design attempt that seeks to blend angular geometric shapes with soft curves. It features a solid oak carcass assembled using half-mitred dovetails. The unit is supported by four curved legs inspired by 18th-century French design, reinforced with curved lacquered pieces. The piece is completed with a traditional ash drawer, assembled with dovetails and a textured lacquered European Beech front. To add lightness and a touch of colour, the front and leg reinforcements have been finished in light blue lacquer.

$3,000

kumiko cabinet

American Walnut & American Maple. Measures 90cm wide x 54cm high x 50cm deep.

The Kumiko Cabinet is a Japanese-inspired hi-fi unit combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. It features a kerf bent-laminated carcass made of American Walnut, with see through doors with Kumiko panels made of American Maple.

SOLD

LLOYD BROOKE

Lloyd Brooke Anderson is a New Zealand-based artisan specializing in sustainable, handcrafted furniture. Initially drawn to music and songwriting, he later turned his focus to woodworking when his young family needed quality, durable furniture. Starting with a small workshop in Melbourne, Lloyd embraced hand tools for their precision and connection to the craft. With support from his wife, Vanessa, he founded Lloyd Brooke Furniture, dedicated to creating unique, lasting pieces from premium timbers. Now back in New Zealand, Lloyd oversees each stage of production, crafting furniture designed to endure for generations.

elodie side table

Northland grown Walnut. Measures 41.5cm long x 55cm high x 41.5cm deep.

The Elodie side table is to be used beside your bed, against a wall, next to the couch... whenever the need or inspiration arises. Our Elodie tables tend to move around the house as our needs change. I originally designed this table shortly before leaving Melbourne in 2020. We spent 13 years in Melbourne and had three children over there. The last one is our young Elodie. She is free spirited, playful, and with a detailed personality! This piece is made using locally grown Walnut timber from a farm in the Bay of Plenty. The textural elements on the top of the legs are carved with a delicate little gouge.

$820

Tony Clark

One of the joys of woodworking is to create pieces that bring joy to their owner, and effectively make the tree live again in the piece. I prefer to work with the timber and get the most from its grain and colour. My furniture making began in 2009 when I spent a full time year at the Centre for Fine Woodworking, regaining my love of making things from wood. In 2010 my partner and I created JointWorks Studio to make and sell weaving and woodwork. I have been making my living producing commissioned pieces and works for sale in JointWorks Studio. One major commission was the contemplation benches for the Suter Art Gallery during its redevelopment. In 2019 I started teaching at the Centre for Fine Woodworking. I continue to teach and also mentor people at my workshop. The process of sharing the love of woodworking is an amazing and fulfilling experience.

a bench seat for two

American Walnut & Australian Blackwood. Measures 109.5cm long x 46cm high x 40cm deep.

SOLD

natasha courtney

Having studied at The Centre for Fine Woodworking in 2012, Natasha is now based on the Coromandel Peninsula, taking inspiration from the natural surrounds. Natasha likes to design and make furniture and art with a purpose, and also enjoys exploring abstract forms and working in collaboration with other artists. She likes to use locally sourced timber when possible, searching out new, reclaimed and recycled supplies. Natasha’s work has been in galleries on Waiheke Island, The Coromandel, Waikato and Nelson, and various pieces have found homes around the world. Natasha welcomes the opportunity to work by commission.

Coromandel valet shelf (wall hung)

Oak, Black Maire & Velvet. Measures 63.5cm long x 18.5cm high x 9.5cm deep.

The Coromandel Shelf is made with Hahei grown oak, which was milled on site and air dried at my workshop for several years. This oak yielded some particularly beautiful quarter sawn boards which give the striking grain pattern. Small details are made with Black Maire (drawer handle, pegs, inners of the drawer). The drawer and additional lift out tray are lined with silk velvet. I have used a home-made bees wax polish to finish.

$750

peter cowper

Nelson based furniture maker, Peter Cowper has been working with wood most of his life in parallel to a corporate career. Until around 2013, he had been relatively self-taught so completed an Introduction to Furniture Making at The Centre for Fine Woodworking. He realised there was so much more to learn and so then completed the full-time Furniture Makers Programme in 2014. The skills he gained throughout the year enabled him to embark on exploring more complex projects and designs. Fine furniture making soon became a full-time activity. Peter doesn’t subscribe to a given design ethic, although primarily prefers modern, simple and contemporary styles. Recent years have seen a strong focus in designing installation lighting with ‘The Curl’ lighting range being developed. Peter also creates a variety of bespoke commissions and regularly collaborates with his wife Janet, an Interior Designer, to provide creative furniture and lighting pieces for clients. Peter’s lighting range has had an ongoing presence in Parker Gallery as he is one of our represented artists.

undulation pendant light

Tasmanian Blackwood & Halcyon Neon Flex LED. Measures 175cm long x 8cm high x 52cm deep.

The “Undulation” pendant light reflects the natural flow and rhythm of the sigmoid curve. Designed for a diverse range of interior spaces; both residential and commercial. Created in Tasmanian Blackwood, the pendant has a warm, dimmable light source that emphasises the elegant curves and wood tones.

$5,980

Ben grant

Ben Grant is a designer and maker based in Whaingaroa, Raglan. Ben’s work focuses on crafting sculptural, functional pieces that are both conversation starters and integral elements of their environments. He combines innovative woodworking techniques with a focus on form and stance, resulting in furniture and objects that blend aesthetic appeal with practicality. With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Ben works from a purpose-built workshop at his home, designing and building cabinetry for the residential market. In addition to his craftsmanship, he shares his expertise by teaching part-time at the Centre for Fine Woodworking. Between these commitments, Ben dedicates focused periods to creating his own unique designs, blending creativity with skill to produce works that reflect his passion for woodworking.

tēpu tipu (seedling tables)

Rewarewa & Puriri. Each table measures 45cm wide x 82cm high x 48cm deep.

Tēpu Tipu derives its name from its shape, inspired by the new growth of a kawakawa seedling. It serves as either an occasional writing table positioned in front of a sofa or chair or simply as a side table that is visually appealing from all angles. It’s "stem" functions as a handle, allowing it to be moved with ease, making it a highly versatile piece of furniture.

$1,600 each / $3,000 pair

DAVID HAIG

David Haig has been a full time furniture designer and maker for over 40 years. He works from a studio workshop at his home in Cable Bay, where he has lived with his family since 1980. He married his English girlfriend, Clare in 1977, and they have three sons and 6 grandchildren. He is strongly influenced by the intense beauty of his surroundings, and a Platonic philosophy that places a high value on connecting with creative archetypes. His work is an attempt to bring some of those qualities into the material world. He grew up in the UK. and moved to New Zealand to join his family here in 1976 after completing a BA in History from Oxford university, and retains a strong interest in politics, social and cultural interests. He has also taught extensively in design and wood construction both at the CFW here in Nelson and overseas for the past 20 years. He was awarded an MNZM for services to woodworking in the King's coronation honours list last year.

MONOGRAM ROCKING CHAIR

English Sycamore.

A Monogram rocker, the latest built by David Haig, in white English sycamore. The timber was milled and seasoned by David, from a tree grown in the Orinoco valley, a tributary off the Motueka river where in the deeply ravined sandstone valleys, sheltered from wind and with high rainfall and rich soils, grow the best sycamore timber he has found in 40 years. This rocking chair is one of just two that David has built this year, and now that he is approaching his 7th decade, he feels he is getting towards the last ones that he will be building. It is a design classic that has stood the test of time, and versions in various timbers, especially New Zealand grown English walnut, are now found all over the world in the USA, the UK, and Australia. The National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, has one too in its permanent collection.

While the Monogram Rocking Chair pictures is now sold, David has enough of the same Sycamore timber to make ONE commission.

$14,500 - One commission available only, please enquire below.

hoop stool

Made by David Haig & Alice Knight during the 2-week short course.

New Zealand grown Walnut, New Zealand Red Oak & American White Ash. Measures 70cm wide x 35cm deep x 52cm high.

$1,295

thorkild hansen

3/6/1969 - 6/11/2021

Thorkild was born into a creative family environment - his father Jens Hansen was the renowned Danish silversmith and much of Thorkild's former working life was spent designing and creating jewellery in the family business. After a change in career to furniture making and teaching, Thorkild's furniture design was an amalgam of Danish modernist design, exploring functional simplicity with a focus on materiality within the tradition of fine woodworking. Thorkild inspired so many, many of the past and existing students and was a vital part in the success of the Centre for Fine Woodworking throughout the twelve years he taught.

Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā, e hoa - We hold you in our hearts

bench seat

Sapele. Measures 54cm wide x 41.5cm high x 39.2cm deep.

This was the last piece of furniture Thorkild made. He designed it to be a future 2-week course.

NFS

gloria hildred

Gloria Hildred (Taranaki) is a furniture-maker and occasional musician (bass). Based most of her adult life in Paekakariki she also worked at Whitireia School of Music, renovated several houses and made furniture for the local cafes and deli. In Whakatū she studied in the 2023 fulltime course at the Centre of Fine Woodworking, and currently works part-time as the Workshop Technician.

josephine jelicich

I first studied at art school at Massey University in Wellington. After trying out being an artist for a year I realised I was craving more practical knowledge and found my calling in furniture. I was able to complete the full time Furniture Makers’ programme in Nelson at the Centre for Fine Woodworking in 2018. Since then I have been designing and making furniture in Auckland, mostly commission work as well as some creative projects with more freedom. Recent exhibits include ‘Out of Kare Kare’ a group show at Season Gallery alongside other participating artists from a 2022 residency, and a collaborative show with my partner Claudia Kogachi at Laree Payne gallery in Hamilton called ‘Nina for Flowers’. Alongside furniture I have been working as a technician in art galleries installing artworks and at the Auckland University School of Architecture. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to be a fellow for two months at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine, USA.

triangle cabinet

American Cherry & Pearwood. Measures 48.5cm high x 40cm wide x 37.7cm deep.

This triangle cabinet came about during my recent time spent as a fellow at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine , USA. I spent one week out of my eight weeks making lots of models for cabinets in a relaxed way, trying to explore as many ideas as possible and break a little out of the usual square form I am usually drawn too. When shaping a piece of the Cherry timber I came across this curved triangle shape and decided to explore it further in full size with a frame and panel construction. I began making this piece in Maine and took it home in parts in my check-in luggage to complete for this show. It might be considered that this cabinet isn’t the most practical shape but I like to think it could hold special items like a trophy or a prized whisky and be appreciated as an object of itself.

$4,000

HAPE KIDDLE

As a sculptor and jeweller I have been working for many years refining a language in shape and form that reflects my deep connection to the natural world. Our relationship to it is at the heart of all my enquiries and my work is a reflection on the spiritual connection humans have to all of ecology. My work demonstrates the development of this language through the mediums of wood, stone and precious metals. For more than a decade I have also shared my love of making things by hand. There is a slowing down and reconnection to self that happens in this process that is something that really resonates for my students.

FALLS LIKE RAIN

Huon Pine on a steel base. Measures 48.5cm high x 17cm wide x 12cm deep.

$4,700

Holding memories

Huon Pine. Measures 54cm wide x 15cm high x 15cm deep.

$4,200

alice knight

Alice is a multi-skilled artist, designer and craftsperson from Scotland. She has been a potter, a textile designer and a sculptor, but of all the materials she’s had her hands on over the years, working with wood is where she feels most at home. She seeks to balance beauty and practicality in her furniture designs. Having worked for many years in immersive theatre and film as a prop-maker and set builder, Alice felt the desire to further explore her craft as a woodworker. Enrolling at the Centre for Fine Woodworking in 2023 provided her the space, time and guidance to realise her designs and visualise a future for herself as a furniture maker. Currently Alice is continuing her woodworking adventure at the Centre as a technician and workshop assistant.

Mirage Cabinet (wall hung)

New Zealand grown Elm. Measures 65.6cm wide x 35cm high x 23.2cm deep.

$5,600

Keren Oertly was born in Huiterangi Switzerland, and grew up between Switzerland and Aotearoa New Zealand. Her love of wood began at an early age, when her parents refurbished a sixteenth century flour mill in Neerach, which operated as a living museum and family home in the years that followed. Keren’s training is in the visual arts, where she received a BFA (Hons) from Central St Martins (2011) in London, UK, followed by an MFA (Sculpture) from Ilam School of Fine Arts in Ōtautahi Christchurch (2018). Through Te Waipounamu South Island-based social enterprise Rekindle, Keren reconnected with wood working, and in 2022, she began training as a furniture maker at the Centre for Fine Woodworking. In her object production, Keren seeks to structure her ideas of place, heritage, memory and identity, as a way of negotiating between different senses and experiences of home.

wrapped table

Aotearoa New Zealand Red Oak, Low Iron toughened glass & linoleum. Measures 57.5cm high x 57.5cm diameter.

‘Wrapped Table’ is a sculptural table that follows a throughline from the tradition of the Stammtisch, or meeting table, which is a regular feature in community settings in eastern Switzerland. A Stammtisch offers a place for people to gather and discuss politics, philosophy and local matters, often debating and organising around important issues. Likewise, this table seeks to offer a welcome space for gathering and connection, around which new traditions might accumulate and develop. Like a small piece of architecture, this works seeks to cross different spatial thresholds, and proposes a kind of reorienting object. The corrugated exterior alludes to a preservation of the things we value in times of flux and transience.

$3,000

I'm a recently established full-time furniture maker based in Auckland. I work mostly on one-off and small run commissions, and am developing my own line of made to order furniture & lighting. Earlier this year I was awarded the scholarship to attend the 6 week residency programme at the Centre for Fine Woodworking, with renowned Canadian furniture maker Michael Fortune. I focussed my time on developing this table's design and construction challenges, which was a fantastic growth experience. My designs often contain simple geometric forms, patterns, progressive curves, and elegant shaping. I love working together with clients to create beautiful bespoke designs, fit for purpose, and built to last.

MoirÉ hall table

American Ash & glass. Measures 76cm wide x 89cm high x 37cm deep.

This table is the second piece I have made based on this visual concept. The ideas emerged from an interest in pattern-based forms, combined with a desire to explore if I could create a dynamic moiré effect in a wooden piece of furniture. Moiré patterns are seen when sets of lines are overlaid and shapes emerge from the visual intersection of the different layers. All 36 legs on the table are steam bent, as is the frame holding the glass top. The overall structure is the combination of the progressively curved legs meeting multiple curves defining the opening at the top, the outline of the legs on the floor, and the curve formed as the legs cross over the centre line.

$4,500

I am fascinated by wood and feel privileged to be able to explore the beauty and functionality of this material within the time honoured techniques of my craft. I enjoy using hand tools and machines to make my bespoke pieces. My furniture making journey began working as a joiner, where I gained an apprenticeship through BCITO. After discovering James Krenov’s books, a strong pull to pursue furniture deeper led me in 2022 to the Centre for Fine Woodworking’s full time programme. In 2023, my Embrace cabinet was included in Australian Wood Review’s Top 100 Maker of the Year awards. I hope to build pieces for people to enjoy for generations to come and to add a sense of warmth to their lives. I am mindful of our impact on the planet and try to use as many reclaimed materials as possible, while always seeking responsibly sourced timber.

corded chairs

American Maple & Danish paper cord. Each chair measures 54cm wide x 84cm high x 56cm deep.

This chair is a progression from a recent design of a corded bench seat. I’m aiming for something simple and elegant, with maybe a touch of flair.

SOLD - Commissions available, please enquire below.