Stunning items of furniture created by Burnley College learners are going on display as the college celebrates another amazing year of innovation and craftsmanship.
The prestigious Furniture Exhibition, now in its 18th year, draws crowds from across the region, keen to view the exhibits of carefully-crafted wooden furniture and upholstered pieces, produced by talented learners and Themis Apprentices of all ages who have been taught and trained by expert Tutors with extensive industry experience.
It officially opens at 12:30pm on Tuesday, 20 June, in the College’s spectacular Atrium in a ceremony attended by diginitaries and special guests.
Guest of honour this year is Christopher Slack, Product and Services Coordinator at CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), a key figure in the renowned SkillBuld annual multi-trade compeition, who will be passing on expert advice and knowlegde from his extensive career.
The exhibition features beautiful, bespoke pieces of furniture from cabinets to shoe boxes, wing back chairs to headboards, crafted by students on Vocational and Adult Learning courses, as well as those studying for higher level HNC and HND qualifications at Burnley College University Courses plus highly-skilled Apprentices with Themis.
David Lord, Head of Construction at Burnley College, said:
“The School of Furniture Exhibition is always one of the highlights of our year and a great opportunity for the wider community to appreciate the high standard of craftsmanship of our students – at all stages of their learning – and our Themis at Burnley College Apprentices.
“The standard of woodwork and upholstery which will be on display is truly outstanding. Hours of dedicated work have gone into the creation of these impressive pieces of furniture which reflect the skill and passion of students and Themis Apprentices alike.
“Our Tutors and Trainers have years of experience and industry knowledge behind them. They are true craftsmen and women, who take pride in their work and are committed to ensuring their skills and knowledge are passed on to new generations of master upholsterers and woodworkers.
“Students travel from all over the North West to take advantage of the expertise of our Tutors and the range of courses we offer, as well as the industry-standard facilities on our £110 million Campus. We have established Burnley as a centre of excellence for those seeking careers in the thriving furniture industry or those who want to learn skills from the very best Tutors.”
If you have a passion for furniture – whether a new pastime or a career goal – Burnley College have a course for you, from hobby courses to University level qualifications. Contact 01282 733333 or email sservices@burnley.ac.uk