Furniture
The Rycotewood Furniture Centre has an international reputation as a centre of excellence in innovative furniture design and making. It is part of the National School of Furniture, a partnership with Bucks New University to offer furniture training from level 1 to level 8 (14 years to Doctorate). The centre holds a kitemark in the Training Quality Standards in Excellence of furniture manufacture and is also an accredited provider of the National Skills Academy for Materials, Production and Supply.
Experienced staff
Our staff are highly professional furniture designers/ makers who have been in industry and keep up-to-date with current practices. They have extensive experience in inspiring, guiding and preparing students for the furniture industry. Staff are also active members of The Furniture Makers Livery Company, British Antique Restorers Association and Proskills - the Sector Skills Council.
Industry contacts
Industrial liaison is at the heart of course delivery. The area has strong links with companies such as Hands of Wycombe, Ercol, Harrods, Jonathan Rose and Benchmark Furniture. Scholarships are offered by the Furniture Industry Trust, private benefactors and by NADFAS (National Association of Decorative Fine Arts Societies).
Top prizes
Students exhibit both locally and nationally at a range of events including New Designers at the Business Design Centre, London. In 2010 three of our students were awarded the three top prizes in a renowned national furniture competition sponsored by Axminster Tool Centre and organised by the New Forest Trust.
