The online ceremony for the Alan Peters Furniture Award 2021 took place online on 16th April. The winner and recipient of a £1,000 Axminster Tools voucher was Andrew Lapthorn with his remnant table. Andrew crafted his table from offcuts that he accumulated over the past 40 years along with bits of upcycled furniture, so the piece represents commercial hardwoods from the past 40 years.

We're proud to be in the fortunate position of being the main prize sponsors of such a prestigious award. As a company, we share our customers' passion for great craftsmanship and we're always looking for opportunities to highlight and recognise some of the great talent in our industry. I was really pleased to hear that Andrew took 1st prize, a place he very much deserves. I like the natural form of the piece and it's great to see the use of sustainable and reclaimed timber. Here at Axminster, we work with a number of organisations to help build a sustainable future for the industry, in terms of education and the environment. As part of that, we're looking at ways we can use more sustainably sourced resources in our product and materials, so this piece really resonates with us. It also looks beautiful and it's a piece I would love in my own home.

Alan Styles (Managing Director, Axminster Tools)

About the Alan Peters Award

The award celebrates the legacy of Alan Peters OBE, one of Britain’s most prominent furniture designer-makers of the late 20th century. The judges asked applicants to submit up to two items of furniture that echo the philosophy of Alan Peters. Judging was based on the appropriate use of wood, quality of workmanship, functionality, aesthetics and originality of design.

Meet the Judges

Jeremy Broun (organiser) - designer-maker and co-exhibitor with Alan Peters 1978-2002

Andrew Lawton - designer-maker who worked with Alan Peters and on his last commission

I found the judging far more difficult than I believed it would be. The calibre of the entries was so high.

David Barron - established maker of fine contemporary furniture and long time admirer and collector of Alan Peters' work.

Hattie Speed (guest judge for 2021) - furniture designer-maker, educator and founder of This Girl Makes community.

I was really pleased to see that some women entered their work this year and I hope that next year even more will choose to submit.

Hattie Speed

More award winners

The award this year was a huge success with a record number of entries, showcasing quality craftsmanship and a uniqueness of design that Alan Peters himself would have very much enjoyed.

One of the satisfactions for me as organiser is making the award as inclusive as possible. We had entries from as far afield as the Shetland Islands and relative newcomers sitting alongside experienced makers, as winners; it's a wonderful achievement. Well done and thank you.

Jeremy Broun (organiser)

To watch the ceremony and check out the virtual exhibition of entries visit woodomain.com/alanpetersaward or follow @alan_peters_furniture_award on Instagram.