OPPORTUNITY

An opportunity exists for three graduate furniture or wood makers to share a studio space in a well equipped furniture/woodworking studio in Liverpool.

Images Of Studio

The workshop is the base of Richard Hooper (who has an MA in Furniture Design from High Wycombe) and is shared by two other Liverpool based makers. Richard is also an Associate Professor at Liverpool Hope University with 25years experience teaching wood at degree level. His vision is to create an environment for young designers to have an exciting base from which to start their furniture/wood careers.

The residency requires individuals with a desire to further their careers in furniture/wood but also possessing a team spirited and good natured disposition. The residency is essentially to develop new concepts rather than an out and out production line facility. Small batches by agreement.

Encouragement will be offered and some workshop assistance but makers will need to be professional, self reliant and self motivated with a clear sense of direction. The studio will provide bench space, tool and some material storage and access to the well equipped machine room.

A small kitchen area and WC are available. The residency contract is initially for one year commencing from August 1st or soon thereafter. The cost is £5000 per annum and includes, bench space, power, lighting and heating (within reason!). Car parking/loading is available on a first come first served basis. The facility is very secure (three locked steel doors!), has dust extraction, excellent natural lighting and is equipped with central heating.

The studio is available from 7am to 10pm (to give you, the machines and neighbours a break!) There is a strict no smoking and no alcohol policy inside the studio for Insurance and H&S reasons. Personal injury insurance will be necessary along with insurance for hand tools etc. AN Publications provide such cover. The studio has public liability insurance. Liverpool is a vibrant city, two hours from London by train. It has a thriving arts scene and has been rejuvenated over the last ten years culminating in its status a Capital of Culture 2008. It has numerous thriving independent galleries as well as Tate Liverpool, The Bluecoat Gallery, FACT etc. etc.

Domestic accommodation would need to be arranged separately (there are many landlord agencies locally or see Gumtree Liverpool for example). The local area is a popular base for students, young professionals and families and lies two miles from the city centre in Wavertree to the South of the city. It is on a frequent bus route into the city with many small shops locally.

Two references are required, one from your furniture/wood degree HOD. Viewing of the studio is available by arrangement. Richard's mobile is 07801 865595. Email hooperr@hope.ac.uk