Simply Abu Dhabi XXXI

T ransforming tools and timber into furniture alchemy, Mark Wilkinson Furniture has been synonymous with the craft of cabinet-making for more than three decades. The very essence of this exacting English brand is the passion and pioneering vision of its late founder, Mark Wilkinson OBE. A gifted designer with an approach to making that is both philosophical and imbued in his craft, Mark Wilkinson was a talent that arrives once in a generation. His early kitchen designs redefined British furniture- making, both inspiring an entirely new group of craftsmen and becoming the model for an ‘English Country Style’. Using traditional techniques to ornament the finest reclaimed timber with hand-carved detailing, Mark transformed the most practical space in the home, the kitchen, to the warmest and most-welcoming. Though he sadly passed in 2017, his legacy lives on through the brand’s bespoke furniture, which is rich in heritage and steeped with his infectious creativity. Though the majority of its designs are completely bespoke, the brand is known for its six ‘permanent’ collections. These range from the fluidly elegant ‘Milan’, neoclassical ‘English Classic’ and whitewashed timber-clad ‘New England’, to the timeless elegance of the ‘Cook’s Kitchen’ and the ‘Newlyn Collection’ which is inspired by the school of Victorian-era Cornish art that gives it its name. The latest design to join this permanent collection is the ‘Portobello’, inspired by the vibrant and vintage eclecticism of the eponymous West London district. Though each is distinct, all the collections have a shared heritage that is deeply rooted in Mark’s vision and the brand’s Wiltshire origins. Everything crafted by Mark Wilkinson Furniture is made by hand by artisans, many of whom are third generation joiners whose skills have been passed down over decades. The brand’s designs combine this legacy with the latest materials and finishes, appealing those who believe that 21st-century technologies and quality craftsmanship should not be mutually exclusive. Though its heart remains in England, Mark Wilkinson Furniture has had considerable success across the world. As the global appetite for high-quality craftsmanship increases, it’s easy to understand why the brand’s parent company, Canburg, has seen an exponential growth in international sales, with Mark Wilkinson’s furniture gracing the interiors of some of the finest residential developments across the globe. Each and every piece of furniture crafted by the brand perfectly expresses the spirit behind Mark Wilkinson’s designs. From the kitchen and pantry to the boot room and dressing room, the brand creates exquisite furniture for every space in the home. Whether it is an objet d’art or a storage solution for a difficult space, the it excels in handcrafting truly personal designs that are made with the individual, rather than the mass market in mind. It strikes this balance by combining new innovations with the rich tradition of British craft, and the result is truly exceptional solutions for our modern lives. mwf.com / + 44 (0)1380 850 007 The Dressing Room The Portobello Collection The Utility Room