Furniture, created by students at Burnley College and Themis at Burnley College Apprentices, are on display in the 2022 School of Furniture Exhibition in Burnley Town Centre.
The prestigious event, in its 17th year, displays carefully-crafted wooden furniture and upholstered pieces, produced by the students and Themis Apprentices who have been taught and trained by expert Tutors with extensive furniture industry experience.
The 2022 Furniture Exhibition went on display from Monday 13 June and will run until Friday 24 June in the former Thomas Cook building, near Clinton Cards in Charter Walk Shopping Centre.
The exhibition features bespoke pieces of furniture, from chairs to screens and tables to display cases, crafted by students on Vocational and Adult Learning courses, A Levels, as well as those studying for higher level HNC and HND qualifications at Burnley College University Courses and highly-skilled Apprentices with Themis, the Apprenticeship training arm of Burnley College.
One of the exhibitors is Rebecca Egerton-Jones, from Burnley, who is studying Upholstery and Dress Making as an Adult Learner at Burnley College. A former Segeant in the Army’s Special Investigations Branch, now she has returned to College to discover new talents.
Rebecca said that learning Upholstery at Burnley College has been more than learning a new skill, it has given her much-needed time for reflection: “When I came back to Burnley I didn’t know what to do, but was interested in a creative course. The team supported me in identifying a course and helped with my finances.
“It’s been a real lift for me and as well as being supported in learning a new skills, I have made new friendships with like-minded people and boosted my mental health.”
David Lord, Head of Construction and Future Technologies at Burnley College, which includes the successful School of Furniture, said: “The School of Furniture Exhibition is always one of the highlights of our year and a great opportunity for the wider community to appreciate the high standard of craftsmanship of our students – at all stages of their learning – and our Themis at Burnley College Apprentices.
“The standard of woodwork and upholstery which will be on display is truly outstanding. Hours of dedicated work have gone into their creation of these impressive pieces of furniture which reflect the skill and passion of students and Themis Apprentices alike.
“Our Tutors and Trainers have years of experience and industry knowledge behind them. They are true craftsmen and women, who take pride in their work and are committed to ensuring their skills and knowledge are passed on to new generations of master upholsterers and woodworkers.
“Students travel from all over the North West to take advantage of the expertise of our Tutors and the range of courses we offer, as well as the industry-standard facilities on our £110 million Campus. We have established Burnley as a centre of excellence for those seeking careers in the thriving furniture industry or those who want to learn skills from the very best Tutors.”
