Chris Fleming is a furniture-designer and maker in the Peak District (England). Since leaving school in 1976, Chris has trained and worked with many aspects of the furniture-making industry but found fresh inspiration thanks to the BESST project.
Chris said: “I found the experience of visiting Norway and Sweden a furniture-maker’s dream. The way that wood is used in Scandinavian architecture and construction – with big joints but fine decorative detail – gave me ideas for a range of furniture which complemented what I was already making.
“I made a chest of drawers inspired by the three areas involved in BESST – the Peak District (England), Fyresdal (Norway) and Hylte (Sweden) - represented by the three vertical sections of the design.
“I was impressed by the Scandinavian’s appreciation of personal and traditional skills. To incorporate this I made three secret drawers which contain a handmade token of each area: For the Peak District – there is a small wooden painted welldressing. For Fyresdal – a miniature wooden axe. For Hylte – a carved and painted wooden fish.
Chris Fleming is a member of Peak District Products and his furniture features in local exhibitions.
