Shropshire Guild of contemporary craft

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Designers and makers of unusual decorative wall panels and mirrors

Seens Design is husband-and-wife team - Phil Common & Cath Laceby. We make sculpted and carved wooden surfaces which have many applications including decorative wall hung panels, mirrors, head boards, and furniture. Each item is finished to the individual customer's requirements, each piece is taken through several stages to achieve the desired finish.

Working from our workshop in rural Shropshire, we craft sensuous surfaces using a mix of traditional hand techniques and modern computer controlled machinery. The natural, fluid forms in the panels are the result of years of developing techniques for carving using modern hi-tech equipment. Phil says: "When I'm drawing on the computer screen, I'm seeing the marks on the wood that the machine will make. Just like someone using a paint-brush or carving chisel, the tools you use become just an extension of your hands, so you create freely with the material (virtually) in front of you."

The beautiful colours of the European birch layers within the ply are revealed as the carving takes place. Sometimes a veneer of Black American Walnut is applied giving a rich dark surface which highlights the colours within the strata.

Inspiration has often come from the movement of water. The 'Tides' designs have ripples carved into them evoking the summer holidays. The 'Starfish' panel was inspired by the pattern made at low tide on Harlech beach.

The hard work put in to the design, construction and finishing of all our products means that there remains a desirable individuality that gives character to our unique range.

While all our pieces share certain characteristics such as craftsmanship, attention to detail and the finest materials, no two are ever quite the same.