Tom has designs on garden furniture (From Cotswold Journal)

Tom has designs on garden furniture

10:52am Thursday 1st July 2010 in News

A YOUNG designer from the Cotswolds is aiming to transform the image of traditional garden furniture and provide a shot in the arm for local businesses.

Tom Walton, aged 27, from Long Compton, has launched a new business designing and making innovative, sculptural garden furniture. His company, Dandelime, which is based in the Woodlands Business Centre, has recently launched a range of hand-made outdoor furniture.

Most of the furniture is manufactured by local craftsmen, with the woodwork being done by Town and Country Joinery in Blackwell and the metalwork at Flowing Forms in Shipston.

Farmer’s son Tom, who graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in industrial design and technology, spent several years working for Marlborough-based design agency Tin Horse, before setting up his own company.

“I am delighted to be launching my garden furniture range, as I am passionate about good design and it is marvellous to be turning my ideas into reality,” said Tom, whose ideas are inspired by nature.

“The furniture is made by hand from a variety of materials from wood to metal and stone, is all designed to enhance the outdoor environment and is comfortable too.

“Things are going great. We are still in pre-production for most of my pieces of furniture. We are just starting out and it’s very early days but we’ve already had interest via the internet,” he added.

Tom displayed his work at the Idlicote Art Show last weekend.

He is also displaying his work at the Shipston Home Nursing garden lecture series at Armscote Manor from Monday to Friday, October 11-15. For further information visit dandelime.com.