Noel Forde

Noel Forde of  Forde Furniture Design  works from his studio in the West of Ireland. He trained as a Cabinet-Maker and later continued to expand his knowledge by studying Furniture Design at Sheridan College, Toronto , Canada.    In my finial year I designed and made a Bird's Eye Maple bow front cabinet which went on to win the Best Piece of the Graduate Show.  I have further honed my skills working  with some of the leading practitioners,  both in the United States and Canada.

My work has been published by The Taunton Press in their Fine Woodworking Magazine and was also selected for publication in their Design Book Seven which represented the best of current work in wood from around the world.   I was also selected by the Craft's Council of Ireland for inclusion in their "Portfolio" which selected the best designer/makers working in Craft in Ireland at present.

My work is client lead and site specific with speculative pieces done when time permits.  The process begins by phoning my home studio directly. Drawings are prepared after a consultation and upon approval fabrication begins.     I work with both hardwoods and veneers using traditional methods of joinery.   I have also incorporated into my work , steam bending, various methods of wood laminations, inlay's, chip carving and curved work.   I work in various styles from Art's and Crafts to more contemporary pieces.   Certain pieces are given a dye stain to enhance the grain of the wood and to bring the colour to the requirement of the design.  All work is given a lacquer finish.