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About Tom
Tom grew up in the extreme wilderness, tranquillity and natural beauty of Exmoor. This environment stimulated his imagination and gave him the freedom to be adventurous with his designs.
Tom's fascination with steam bending began whilst studying at Falmouth College of Arts and the vision for many of Tom's designs came from his primary interest in structural materials, wood and its changeable states. Years of research and experimentation allowed Tom to develop a new steaming method to build his designs.
Tom was Co-Founder of the award winning collective design company Sixixis, recognised for unique aesthetic, forward thinking designs.
Now through Tom's own company he is continuing to create some of the most spectacular ecologically sound, innovative furniture and products which are based on beauty and integrity.
Steam bending
Steam bending is a traditional process steeped in history and culture. It was once a vital practice, paramount to the production of weapons, tools and water vessels, on which peoples’ livelihoods depended. Sadly, with the advance of technology this practice has been replaced and become less common.
With little time and a lot of practice, I have developed my own way of using steam, which has reinvented this traditional process and brought it into the 21st century. With the new tools and the methods I’ve developed, I can twist and bend wood as freely as you use a pencil for drawing.
Having such a good understanding of the material and the process ensures there are no restrictions on my creativity; believing anything can be achieved, is extraordinarily liberating.
Beyond this, steam bending is a low energy and ecological method of manipulating wood. There are no nasty glues and very low levels of wastage.
Sustainability
My ethos is to create products that will be cherished, enjoyed and loved. I also strongly feel, in our disposable culture longevity is the basis for sustainability. In an ideal world, sustainability is a by-product of good design. Running a business in a sustainable way should naturally be sound business practice.
Having a comprehensive knowledge of the production process; from the selection of a tree, to the final finishes and packaging, provides me with the skills to minimise the environmental impact and make the work economically viable.
So what actually makes my work sustainable?
- I use local timber from renewable resources, which reduces transportation.
- The wood is unseasoned, green timber. (An alternative to seasoned/kiln-dried timber, which is an energy intensive process).
- Steam bending is the main form of production. It’s a low energy method of manufacturing, with little wastage. There’s no use of toxic or harmful chemicals; just water!
- Wood waste is taken to the local smoke house, which use it to cure their fresh mackerel and salmon.
- Local suppliers and manufacturers are used where possible. Not only is this often cost effective, but it also helps to support local business and economy.
- Each piece is crafted so it will last over a lifetime.
- I’m also still working on ways in which to decrease each product’s carbon footprint when being transported to its destination.
Products
In the current range of products you find a selection of work, all of which are available to purchase.
The new range, Arc Chair, Ash Pendant, Coat Loop, Sycamore Pendant and Cage Light are now all available.
All products are now available for purchase online using the Buy Now buttons..
If you require any help or further information on a product then please don't hesitate to contact me.
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Commissions
Commissions range from large scale public installations to the more intimate one off pieces. These individual pieces are representative of spaces, communities, companies and in many cases the personality of an individual client.
Each commission begins by consultation during which the individual requirements of the client are assessed, after design and further sounding the project will be fully costed with a detailed timescale and suitable delivery time.
If you would like any more information on commissions or to organise a consultation, please contact me using the contact details below.
    
    
    
Press
Different articles and media coverage that Tom Raffield and his work have been featured in:
The Sunday Times Style Magazine 10.02.08
The Ecologist Jan 08
Good Woodworking Magazine 06.12.07
Bespoke : Source Book of Furniture Designer Makers 2007
Crafts Magazine issue 2007 July/August 07
The Independent Newspaper 04.07.07
Regina Magazine July 07
Vogue Dec 06
The Independant Newspaper Weekend Magazine 06 August 06
The Apprentice BBC2 Episode 8 12.04.06
The Guardian Newspaper 26.08.06
Crafts Magazine July and September 06
House and Garden Magazine June & December 06
Architects Journal "AJ" April 06
The Telegraph Newspaper Weekend Magazine 17.06.06 & 16.09.06
Awards
Most influential and inspiring HiddenArt Cornwall member 2007 (awarded to sixixis; to which Tom was co founder of)
Young Cornish Business Person of the Year, second place 2007
Winners of the Laurent Perrier Design Talent Award 2006 (awarded to sixixis; to which Tom was co founder of)
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