Gratus Bench by Joseph Robinson awarded Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is delighted to announce that the Gratus Bench, designed and made by Joseph Robinson, has been awarded the prestigious Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize.

Presented annually to the most outstanding piece awarded a Bespoke Guild Mark in the preceding 12 months, the Christopher Claxton Stevens Prize was awarded to Joseph by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King DL and Debbie Johnson, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, at the Installation Dinner held at Mansion House, London, on Monday 12 April 2025.

Joseph Robinson and the Gratus Bench

The Gratus Bench, sculpted from quartersawn bog oak, is a testament to Joseph’s mastery of natural materials and organic form. Its most distinctive feature – a continuous laminated structure of 100 bog oak veneers forming the backrest, arms and legs – is delicately finished with hand-worked bronze detailing. The bench is designed to bring moments of stillness to transitional spaces, with a name derived from the Latin gratus, meaning grace and gratitude.

The Bespoke Guild Mark recognises excellence in design, materials, craftsmanship and function for one-off or limited-edition pieces. Since its inception in 1958, it’s represented the highest accolade for designer-makers in the UK.

The Lord Mayor of London, Joseph Robinson and Master Debbie Johnson

Joseph, a graduate of Robinson House Studio and now based in St Leonards-on-Sea, is known for drawing inspiration from the natural world, with a focus on artistic function and storytelling through form and material. His designs reflect a deep sensitivity to texture, structure and the quiet intelligence of nature.

Commenting on his win, Joseph said: “Winning the Christopher Claxton Stevens Award for my first project is an incredible milestone – I’m proud of the recognition and excited for what’s ahead.”

Daniel Hopwood, chairman of the Bespoke Guild Mark committee, commented: “The Gratus Bench is a poetic design that encourages the user to pause and appreciate. Joseph’s understanding of material and form is remarkable, and the result is a piece that balances elegance with meaning. A truly worthy recipient of this year’s Claxton Stevens Prize.”

To find out more about The Furniture Makers’ Company, see www.furnituremakers.org.uk.