South African born Mark McGilvray and Kaori Takahashi from Japan are a husband and wife team creating functional homeware from local or sustainable hardwoods. Since graduating from the Wimbledon School of Art the couple turned their skill and expertise from creating simple pieces for themselves, to their award-winning business.

Now to be found working from their studio at Cockington Court, their distinct products combine time-honoured Japanese traditions with western techniques. Kaori and Mark apply the art of urushi lacquering. Urushi is lacquer made from the sap of a tree and makes the wood waterproof as well as adding strength.

Their products have won the hearts of many visitors to the studios, as well as features in national press and publications from the Observer to Elle Decoration magazine.
Pieces are readily available to view and buy direct from the studio as well as from Takahashi McGil online.

Portrait photo credit: Paul Dixon photos