Alun Heslop Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1971 -

Alun Heslop was born in Kent 1971 and gained a BA Hons in Fine Art (Brighton 1991- 1994) followed by a BTEC National Diploma in Spatial Design, (Rochester KIAD 1988- 1990). Alun rapidly developed an interest in the art & craft of chair making, primarily with the use of green woodworking and sustainable practice, and established himself as an artist/craftsman in 1997. During time abroad in Switzerland (2002 - 2006), Alun developed a further ongoing interest in seating ergonomics and refinement in chair design & performance. Returning from Switzerland in early 2006, Alun set up the 'chaircreative' workshop creating ever more unique & time invested sculptural chair art works, and is now based in Mid Sussex, nestling under the South Downs.
Alun has produced work for both public spaces and private clients, including seating
installations for The Royal Horticultural Society, Royal Botanic Gardens & the North Downs Way national trail. Recent public works include the exterior & interior gallery seating for the Marks Barfield designed Lightbox Gallery, winner of the 2008 Art Fund Prize; Hedgehog Here & the Cricketer's Bench for the Belmont/Harris Estate, E. Kent; Sculptural installations for Primary Schools in N.London, in association with Breeze. Recent commercial projects include the waiting area seating, chairs and interior design elements for Hancocks the Jewellers, Burlington Arcade, London.


Alun Heslop studied at Rochester, gaining a BTEC Diploma in Spatial (Interior) Design, and then went on to Brighton (1991-1994), graduating in Fine Art. Alun rapidly developed an interest in the art & craft of chair making, primarily with the use of green wood, and established himself as an artist/craftsman in 1997. During time abroad in Switzerland, Alun developed a further ongoing interest in seating ergonomics & refinement in chair design & performance. Since returning from Switzerland in early 2006, Alun has produced seating and sculptures for a number of public and private clients, including seating installations for The RHS, Royal Botanic Gardens & the North Downs Way national trail (KCC). Recent public works include the exterior & interior gallery seating for the Marks Barfield designed Lightbox Gallery, winner of the 2008 Art Fund Prize and a fantastic private commission for a 8.5 m sinuous curving Sleeping Dragon bench which won the prestigious furniture section of the 2008 Wood Awards.