Tom Raffield is an artist and designer maker who works with wood using the method of steam bending. He has created a furniture and lighting range by steam bending a variety of woods, chiefly temperate hardwoods including ash, oak and walnut.
Career
Tom Raffield Ltd was founded by Tom in 2008. Inspired by his degree in 3D Sustainability and Design undertaken at Falmouth College of Arts, Tom sought to further his interest in the traditional, eco-friendly practice of steam bending by starting his own business. Through hours of hard work, designing through making, experimenting and prototyping, Tom forged the origins, sensibility and the iconic curved aesthetic that we the brand still proudly create today. Over a decade later and still passionate about education, Tom has passed on his skills and taught his steam bending practice to a team of talented workshop makers. Tom now spends most of his time designing products for the fast-growing Tom Raffield range and large-scale bespoke projects, including the iconic , but also developing innovative new designs through the creative medium of hands-on making. Raffield was co-founder of the award-winning collective design company Sixixis, recognised for unique aesthetic, forward-thinking designs and now, through his own company, Raffield continues to create modern, sculptural furniture and lighting.
Inspiration
Tom Raffield grew up in Exmoor, England - where the natural environment stimulated his imagination, and fed into his future designs. Raffield’s fascination with the traditional practice of steam bending began whilst studying at Falmouth College of Arts, where he discovered the traditional technique of using a chamber wouldn’t allow him to create the complex 3D bends he had envisaged. Years of research and experimentation allowed him to develop a new steaming method to turn his design visions into reality and create furniture designs such as the Chaise Longue, Arc Chair and Loop Chair and Lights including the Pendant Number 1, Cage Light and Butterfly Pendant which typically come in a choice of ash, oak or walnut.
Awards
Winner of the Lighting Design Association’s Lighting Design Award 2011. Winner of the for Emerging Talent 2017. Chelsea Flower Show 2019 . Finalist of the 2019, with an innovative steam bent outdoor planter. References
