GM furniture design

Graham Murdoch obtained a degree in Product Design at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. He then attended the Glasgow College of Building and Printing to study Furniture Making. During college he gained further experience by working part time in a furniture making workshop. He set up business at Woodschool, near Jedburgh in September 2004, where he has since produced a vast range of commissioned pieces and continued to develop unusual and contemporary speculative furniture. Such pieces are exhibited at "Buy-Design" in Harestanes near Jedburgh and other galleries throughout Scotland, mainly through the "Scottish Furniture Maker's Association".

"My philosophy is to produce unique and contemporary furniture, using native hardwoods wherever possible. Designs generally consist of clean lines and sweeping curves and will sometimes incorporate glass, to complement the natural beauty of the wood. I am always experimenting with different design and construction techniques and will often combine two contrasting timbers to produce pieces which will be a focal point in any room."

Graham uses native hardwoods in particular Elm, Oak and Ash sourced from sustainable forests. The carefully selected timber is well seasoned before being kiln dried and brought down to about 10% moisture content, so the furniture can easily acclimatise to the centrally heated home. The furniture is generally finished with several coats of oil to give a matt and natural look whilst allowing the wood to breathe. Where a more hardwearing surface is required, such as a kitchen table, a hardwax oil is applied. These types of finish make it easier for the piece to be maintained and replenished once in its new home.