Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8th March, the Chippendale School of Furniture in Scotland are celebrating the women of the woodworking world and encouraging any women thinking of getting into furniture making to take the plunge!
The School has seen a record number of enquiries about our furniture making courses from women, making up 50% of all enquiries so far in 2021. Sarah Fraser, marketing manager says:
“This strong interest from women reflects a steady rise the School has observed in recent years and it’s something we have been focused on as we try to break gender stereotypes and increase diversity in the woodworking world.
“More women are coming through the workshop doors – including myself! I joined the school’s leadership team in late 2020, taking a change of direction in my career following the birth of my daughter. We currently have six great women on the current Professional Course doing amazing work, not to mention those in our incubation hub who are building their businesses there.”
Francisca Bullinger Design
Francisca Bullinger came to study at the Chippendale School’s Professional Course in 2019, with hopes of setting up her own fine furniture making businesses. Despite a challenging year amid Covid, she’s gone on to create Francisca Bullinger Design (https://franbdesign.com/), a handmade sustainable furniture company, and is already taking commissions!
Francisca says:
“My designs showcase a love of the shapes and textures found in nature and combine these with modern structures. I want to celebrate our roots in nature, not only with my designs but by making sure I can be as sustainable as possible.”
“Once you study at the Chippendale School the experience stays with you and it is great to see more women coming through into the field. Furniture making is a very rewarding journey. Since graduating I have been based at the School’s Myreside Studios where I have been working on my first commissions, which include an elegant dining table made from locally sourced oak for a young family. I also make smaller pieces such as coasters for my Etsy business.”
Check out Fran’s profile on the Fine Furniture Guild along with other graduates. https://www.finefurnitureguild.com/makers-directory/francisca-bullinger
Women-Made Furniture Designs
Alongside Francisca on last year’s Professional Course were fellow female furniture makers Constance Graesslin and Alice Caundle – they all crafted very strong designs which are a testament to their hard work on the course and prove that woodworking is not just a ‘job for the boys!’
