BIOGRAPHY
Stephen Finch creates handmade furniture and woodwork in his workshop near Edinburgh. His bespoke designs are handcrafted using locally sourced native Scottish hardwoods.
Over the last 20 years Stephen has developed a deep knowledge of woodwork. He combines traditional joinery and modern methods in the pursuit of his craft. The precision and attention to detail displayed in his work are evidence of his skill. Meticulously hand finished with natural oils his work has a beautiful tactile quality. His aim is to create furniture that will be used, loved and cherished for generations.
Stephen is inspired by the philosophy and style of American woodworker George Nakashima. The clean lines of Mid Century Modern design can also be seen in his elegant and simple aesthetic. This ethos and his craftmanship give an honest and approachable quality to his work.
Locally sourced wood is essential to Stephen's work. There is a wide palette of tones, grain and character in native hardwoods. His work has a sense of place that reflects the natural Scottish landscape. Contrasting and complementary elements often feature in Stephen's woodwork. Rough textures against smooth, dark tones against light, wild grain against straight. His knowledge and skill make them work harmoniously together.
His portfolio contains examples of his signature style and favourite commissions.
CV
EDUCATION
1996 BA Hons, Film & Media Studies, University of Stirling
2005 NC, Furniture Crafts, Jewel & Esk College, Edinburgh
EXPERIENCE
1997 - 2005: Graphic Designer / Studio Manager, at a variety of Edinburgh design studios and magazine publishers.
2006 - 2009: Resident Maker, Woodschool, Jedburgh, part of a small team of self employed designer-makers producing bespoke furniture commissions and speculative pieces.
2009 - 2014: Director & Resident Maker, Real Wood Studios, Jedburgh, Co-Director responsible for running the workshop, sawmill, gallery and timber procurement alongside working as self employed designer-maker.
2015 - Present: Proprietor, Unit 10c, Newbattle Abbey Business Park, Eskbank. Setup my own workshop.
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2013 - Present: Group Exhibition, The Annual Exhibition, Scottish Furniture Makers Association, yearly open exhibition held in venues across Scotland.
2016: Group Exhibition, After the Storm, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh & Scottish Furniture Makers Association, (curated by Ian Edwards).
2020: Group Exhibition, Adjust / Adapt, Scottish Furniture Makers Association and Visual Arts Scotland presented by City Arts Centre Edinburgh, (curated by David Patterson, Sarah Calmus, Simon Whatley).
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS
2013 - 2020: Committee Member, Scottish Furniture Makers Association, active member of committee aiming to promote and support independent furniture designers and makers across Scotland.
REPRESENTATION
2018 - 2022: White Fox Gallery (Closed), Coldstream
2020 - Present: The Whitehouse Gallery, Kircudbright
