A former north-east tax adviser who swapped the ledger for a lathe and launched a bespoke furniture workshop will showcase his talents at a prestigious national event.
Mike Whittall, from Turriff, won the 2016 Chippendale Portfolio prize and from tomorrow will show his creations to crowds in Edinburgh.
The annual Scottish Furniture Makers Association exhibition – this year titled Rooms for Improvement – is being held in the capital’s Royal Botanic Gardens until November 6.
Visitors to the four-room show will have an opportunity to meet Mr Whittall and fellow makers to discuss their work.
Last night the former tax adviser, who now runs his own company Ochre and Wood, said: “I feel very privileged to be in such talented company as part of the Scottish Furniture Makers’ Association, and look forward to seeing our work all come together under one roof.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet people visiting the exhibition too and share the story behind each piece. This is often what gives a piece resonance, and visitors can enjoy this added dimension when they come to the exhibition.”
Mr Whittall is a graduate of the Chippendale International School of Furniture and said he has a lifelong passion for woodwork instilled by his father and grandfather.
His unusual work, described as “functional pieces of art”, is defined by curves and is principally made from local wood with interesting grains, texture or colour.
This includes “ripple-grained sycamore” or beech, which are readily available in Scotland and add local character.
