Ben Atkinson Furniture
Furniture

Born York 1974. Climbed trees and kicked about. Schooled locally. Got paid to make pizzas and spent money playing in bands until sudden realization there was more to life. Degree in 3D Design, Newcastle upon Tyne 1995-1998.

Set up own business in 1999. Rented workshop from old tutor. Banged heads with other local artisans and established Cobalt studios Ltd. Set up own workshop within Cobalt and bought lots of big machines. Kept learning. Kept making. Kept getting busier. Still not bored.

Q&A's

Describe your creative practice in 20 single words.

I listen to people; hear their needs and desires for furniture they’ve sometimes waited half their working lives to commission. With a little of my own input, inspired by over five millennia of furniture making, I design bespoke pieces for my clients. In the end however, it all comes down to having the skill and experience to turn the idea into a beautiful hardwood reality.

Describe your influences using 30 single words or short phrases.

My Clients
English Trees
Golden proportion
Arts & Crafts
George Nakashima
Architecture
Craftsmanship before glue was invented
Fibonacci
Edward Barnsley
Mechanisms
My Dad
Black Sabbath
Friends