James Birbeck won the Scottish Furniture Makers Association Award for his 2025 African Utile ‘L’Utile Chair’.

“Crafted from African Utile, this elegant chair embodies the very meaning of its name ‘useful’. Clean , geometric form and striking wood grain celebrate the materials natural beauty and purpose.” @birbeckswoodwork

Awarded for Furniture: Best In Show

The Thread That Pulls is on display in the Upper Galleries of the Royal Scottish Academy building from 6 December 2025 – 2 January 2026

Opening times:
Monday – Sunday 10am-5pm
Closed – Christmas Day and Boxing Day