Chris Tribe - Furniture Maker

Charities

Tools for Self Reliance
As a furniture maker my tools are my livelihood and I have a special relationship with them. Many craftmen in the developing world are not so lucky and do not have access to tools. Tools for Self Reliance seeks out unwanted tools, refurbishes them and ships them to craftsmen, mainly in Africa. They also campaign for a fairer deal for people in developing countries.
www.toolsforselfreliance.org.uk

Woodland Trust
I think most furniture makers feel a little guilty about the trees cut down to supply their business. To assuage my guilt slightly I make payments to the Woodland Trust, who work to maintain and extend native woodland.
www.woodlandtrust.co.uk

Tree Aid
TREE AID is the UK's only forestry-focused development charity providing funding and on-the-ground training and support to local organisations in the Sahel. TREE AID works where people need trees most: in the poorest villages in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, northern Ghana and Mali where 90% depend on trees for basic survival needs.
www.treeaid.org.uk/

Articles

Furniture and Cabinetmaking
I have contributed articles to this journal since 2003. I see these contributions as an adjunct to my teaching activities. Of the various journals devoted to woodwork I think this one is most relevant to contemorary furniture making.
www.thegmcgroup.com/item--Furniture-and-Cabinet-Making-Magazine--1010FC.html

Exhibitions

I occasionally exhibit speculative pieces at at galleries and exhibitions throughout the country.

HOST
Huddersfield Open Studios Trail (HOST) is an annual event held in November (17-19th and 24-25th) to coincide with the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. This year it features 101 artists/craftsmen across 19 venues. I will be exhibiting and demonstrating my work at Radiant Works, Leed Rd.
www.host07.co.uk

Ferrers Gallery
This gallery,set in beautiful countryside near Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, features high quality crafts including contemporary furniture. I currently have the curve cabinet and table exhibited there.
www.ferrersgallery.co.uk/

Arcaz
Arcaz is a new venture (opening 28th October 2007) based in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire, which combines antiques with the best in contemporary furniture. I am exhibiting a couple of speculative pieces.
www.arcaz.co.uk/index.html

Craftspeople

The businesses and craftspeople listed here are those I have worked with or who have supplied components for my work, or they may be people I have taught in the past.

Sinclair Harding
I am very fortunate to have Sinclair Harding just up the road from my workshop. They are very obliging in making bespoke brass fittings for my furniture, which I am unable to source from manufaturers. They also make the most amazing clocks!
www.clockmakers.com/

John Birdsall
I taught John for a number of years at a local evening class. I always had a sneeking suspicion that he knew as much as me! He is now procucing some very interesting and attractive turned forms.
www.johnbirdsall.talktalk.net/

Bentley and Clive
Rachel and Steve attended my restoration classes at Leeds College of Art. They have gone on to form a very sucessful business in North Yorkshire, offering restoration and bespoke cabinet making.
www.bentleyandclive.co.uk/