Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers at a Glance

Did you catch the last installment of FIVE IN 5? We’re back with round two—60 second portraits of Vermont’s studio furniture makers and members of our Guild. Drumroll, please…

The Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers is an association of master level makers dedicated to the promotion of quality craftsmanship, excellence in design, and the pursuit of artistic vision. Our goal is to increase public awareness and appreciation of this time honored art, thereby expanding the market for handcrafted furniture and promoting the common interests of furniture makers in Vermont.

Row 1: Richard Bissell Fine Woodworking. Putney VT  Signature lines include Shaker and Mission-Inspired pieces, Windsor Chairs. Customer favorites: Pencil Post Bed, Funky Tractor Seat Stool. Look for a focus on function, with clean lines and details, graceful proportions. Well planned, efficient and budget friendly. Sustainable woods. Solar Powered Workshop. Custom projects welcomed. Take a tour of Richard’s workshop, check out his portfolio or reach him via E-mail.

Row 2: David Hurwitz Originals. Randolph VT  Designs and builds unique, contemporary, museum quality furniture pieces. Experiments with form, color and texture and the intersection of fine art and function. Incorporates local, FSC and responsibly harvested wood. Award winning pieces include mirrors, lamps, side tables, handcrafted and one-of-a-kind cooking utensils. Many collaborative pieces with Vermont artists. Check out Dave’s work on our site, send him an E-mail.

Row 3: Chris Ericson Furniture. South Newfane VT  Inspired by Shaker and Japanese design traditions. Favors light, clean lines with natural edges and maker personality. Crafts furniture that makes you ‘slow down and smile.’ See the Happy Bed. Locally-sourced and found materials. Traditional joinery and utmost care in wood selection. Commissions Welcome. You’ll find a large collection of his work on our site—really special, unique pieces with palpable soul. Inspired by this quality? Connect with Chris via E-mail.

Row 4: John Lomas Custom Furniture. Hinesburg VT London College of Furniture–trained Cotswold craftsman relocates to Vermont! Studio maker, entrepreneur, designer. Joined our Guild last fall. John makes heirloom pieces that are functional, inspired and exceed expectations. Notable lines include his Chalford Farmhouse and Gloucester Collections. Commissions welcome. View John’s work and contact him via E-mail.

Row 5: Charles Ogg Furniture and Design. Chittenden VT Chip is designer and master craftsman out of his own shop in Chittenden with a 16-year year apprenticeship with Shackleton Thomas. A lifelong wood carver, particular skills include handwork and surface ornamentation. Exacting style, detailed communicator, great teacher. Appreciates a good design challenge. Chip has a few pieces on our site, much more on his. Reach him via E-mail. Check out an in-depth profile here.

Thanks for joining us! Hope you’re looking forward to the next round of FIVE IN 5 & getting to know our makers. Buy handmade for health, happiness and local prosperity! www.vermontfurnituremakers.com

Past Features: FIVE IN 5 first issue