Scottish woodworking school to celebrate 40 years of excellence in furniture design & craft this June

The Chippendale International School of Furniture, a globally renowned woodworking school based in East Lothian, Scotland, will mark its 40th anniversary in 2025 with a milestone event: the 40th Graduate Exhibition and Fine Furniture Sale, taking place from 12–14 June.

Principal of the Chippendale International School of Furniture, Tom Fraser – photograph courtesy of Laura Meek

This much-anticipated annual showcase will feature exceptional handcrafted furniture from this year’s graduating class, with students hailing from Brazil, Hawaii, Edinburgh and beyond.

Founded in 1985 by Anselm Fraser, the school has become a home for both traditional and contemporary woodworking. Now led by his son, Tom Fraser, the school has evolved over four decades to offer a diverse curriculum – from weekend workshops to its flagship nine-month Professional Course, which equips students with the skills to launch their own furniture-making businesses.

Tom Fraser, Principal of the Chippendale School, reflected on the anniversary: “We have welcomed students from around the world to our Professional Course for decades, and yet each year I’m amazed by the talent and determination of our students.

2024 Professional Course graduate, Kevin Tronel

“This year’s exhibition not only showcases the immense ability and skill of our current graduates but also pays homage to the generations of woodworkers who have passed through our doors. We encourage everyone to visit in June.”

Anselm Fraser, Founder, added: “When I first established the school, I dreamed of creating a space where creativity and talent could grow. Seeing that vision come alive through the hands of aspiring woodworkers has been incredibly rewarding. The 40th exhibition is a celebration of their stories and those who came before them.”

The Chippendale School of Furniture has become a home for both traditional and contemporary woodworking – photograph © Angus Bremner

 EVENT DETAILS:

Dates: 12–14 June 2025

Location: Chippendale International School of Furniture, East Lothian

Admission: Free entry, but all visitors must book a timed ticket in advance via Eventbrite.

Guests can explore and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces, while enjoying food and drink from North Berwick’s Steampunk Coffee and The Big Blu Artisan Pizza from Dunbar, serving fresh coffee, cakes, and wood-fired pizza throughout the event.

For those unable to attend in person, the exhibition will also be available to view online via the school’s website, Facebook and Instagram channels – see www.chippendaleschool.com for further information.