We are proud to announce the launch of a unique collection of furniture, the most recent collaboration with iconic British furniture manufacturer ercol. Through our long standing partnership we aim to inspire and educate the next generation of designers, makers, consumers and woodland owners in the value of home-grown timber.
Designed in-house and crafted in limited batches by Professional Course students, each piece is now available to purchase from ercol’s website. We are delighted that all of the income will be used to support Sylva Foundation’s vital and life-enhancing work.
We are passionate about sourcing timber from well-managed woodlands that provide a wide range of benefits to the environment and society. Good woodland management provides homes for nature, clean water and air, space for recreation, beautiful landscapes, helps tackle climate change, and of course provides a source of sustainably-sourced timber. The Bookcase, Bedside Cabinet, Side Table and Curved Stool are all made from Grown in Britain certified ash. All the pieces are hand-finished in a white pigment oil, which allows its natural colours, which vary from pale white to olive tones, to express themselves fully.
“This very special collaboration gives our students a real pride and sense of achievement seeing their furniture for sale through one of the most well known British furniture brands. We are very grateful to ercol for supporting our passions for sustainable woodland management and craft education using home-grown timber. Each piece of furniture is designed and made to last, locking up carbon, we hope for over a 100 years or more.”
Joseph Bray, Head of Sylva Wood School
Our unique Professional Course bridges the gap between education and work for aspiring furniture makers. The experience is brought to life by working on real projects that meet deadlines and quality expectations, whilst all the time developing their woodworking skills. The four pieces were designed specifically to teach hand and machine skills and we hope you agree that they are both functional and attractive!
“Each stool had to meet a consistent standard while responding to the nuances of individual boards. The project also introduced us to some more advanced spindle moulding and highlighted the challenges of accurate alignment, consistency and stability when making ..furniture with multiple components.”
Molly Reeve, Student
Each piece is individually numbered and dated alongside the ercol and Sylva Foundation logos. We recognise this as a mark of excellence that this cohort of students are incredibly proud of.
The curved seat, straight legs and clean lines give the Sylva Curved Stool its distinctive silhouette. Traditional tenon joints are secured within double-socketed mortices, giving additional strength to the wedge joints between the leg and seat.
“This was my favourite product by far. I loved the problem-solving for batch production and jig-making, analysing grain and colour to match for unique but fluid composition, and using countless new techniques.”
Zein Harfouch, Student
The students applied similar thinking and craft techniques to the Sylva side table. Elegantly turned, elongated legs and a smooth, rounded shape create a sleek, tactile product that fits effortlessly into both modern and traditional interiors.
“My favourite piece to work on was the bedside cabinet. It brought together everything I’d learned in a substantial, fully realised piece of fine furniture. It was the first project where I could really see my progress reflected in the quality of the work; completing it left me genuinely proud of what I’d achieved.”
Philip Wood, Student
The cabinet features a single drawer and a functional galleried top, offering both storage and security for everyday items. It is designed to complement the Sylva bookcase, which has three sturdy shelves, with one being adjustable: the top edge allows items to be leaned securely without rolling off, while its minimalist design and compact dimensions make it highly versatile.
“It’s been interesting working on products that hadn’t been produced before. We had to do more than simply follow what had happened previously, and consider how techniques we’d learned might be adapted to a new situation.”
Philip Samson, Student
“Sylva Wood School has been pivotal in shaping my career change into furniture making. The team are what makes it such an amazing place to be a part of: their focus on home-grown timber and environmental values is inspiring, and the support they have given me as a beginner maker has been invaluable.”
Nicola Rees-Williams, Student
Please visit the ercol website to find more information:
