Theo Silkstone – portfolio

Contact the artist

https://www.theosilkstone.com
07792 923283
theocarter@mac.com

Theo Silkstone designs and makes sculptural, heirloom-quality furniture that highlights the natural beauty of solid wood. With a background in Materials Science from Oxford and formal training at Rycotewood, his work combines technical knowledge with traditional craftsmanship and a contemporary aesthetic.

Each piece is developed through a collaborative and considered design process. Commissions include bespoke desks and record player stands which he specialises in – each made to last for generations. Solid timber is favoured over board materials, chosen for its tactility, longevity, and ability to age beautifully.

The commissioning process includes concept development, technical drawings, timber samples, and clear visualisations to ensure clarity before making begins. Alongside furniture making, Theo is also developing his sculptural work with a current series of work featuring a jesmonite art fronted drinks cabinet, jesmonite wall art and jesmonite spherical sculpture. 

Commissions have come from across the UK and enquiries are welcome from individuals, designers, and architects seeking meaningful, enduring furniture.

Exhibition information

I work primarily in solid timber, drawn to wood for its beauty, tactility, and ability to age gracefully. Each piece is designed to celebrate the material – from sculptural console tables and record player stands to finely crafted storage and bespoke desks. Although I work mainly with timber, I seek to incorporate other materials such as slate, leather, glass, or Jesmonite where they serve the idea of the piece. 

My practice is rooted in an interest in form, surface, and material behaviour. I’m drawn to flowing, asymmetric shapes rather than rigid geometry, and to surfaces that invite touch as much as attention. Curves, texture, and the way light moves across a piece play an important role, influencing both the making process and how each work is designed for its setting.

My aim is to create furniture that is both functional and enduring, made to outlast trends and improve with time. Traditional joinery and careful handwork sit alongside a more sculptural, exploratory approach developed through ongoing material experimentation.

Artist information

I design and make bespoke furniture from my workshop at the Sylva Wood Centre, just outside Oxford. After studying Materials Science at Oxford University and beginning my career in intellectual property law, I retrained at Rycotewood Furniture School to focus on working with natural materials and making lasting objects by hand.

Alongside my practice, I am planting and managing woodland with the long-term goal of producing sustainable timber for future generations. This connection to the full life cycle of the material informs my approach to design and craftsmanship.

Based in Oxford, I work with clients across the UK to create thoughtful, one-of-a-kind pieces of bespoke furniture.