Graham Ikin – Designer & Cabinetmaker.

Graham has had a successful career as an engineer and entrepreneur having recently sold the manufacturing company he started over thirty years ago. Self- taught, he brings the precision and innovative design experience drawn from his engineering background to the elegant bespoke furniture he now makes.

Shape and form are important elements of stylish furniture and the inspiration for these can be found all around from common everyday items to cloud formations and the endless curves of living nature. Most of his work is made to commission so Graham creates 3D computer models of his design concepts to show clients how finished pieces will look. Final adjustments can be made quickly on screen to achieve a perfect result before the actual making takes place.

Graham makes use of machinery to produce his furniture while still using hand tools and finishes where these are best. This fusion of machine and hand work ensures a quality product at an affordable price without compromising the genuine craftsmanship which is a part of every piece. Drawers fit properly; flat surfaces are flat; curves are smooth.

Having a workshop at home means that Graham can spend more time designing and making instead of commuting. Planning is an important part of the work. For instance, the final glued assembly of a piece normally takes place last thing so that it can set overnight.

He has exhibited his furniture at premier exhibitions in the UK including Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design, Millinery Works (Furniture for the 21st Century), Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair and it is available in the Gloucester Guild Shop in Cheltenham.