Sean Evelegh, Furniture Maker

Young Woodworker of the Year Award 2024

Kent-based furniture maker Sean Evelegh has won the second annual Young Woodworker of the Year Award, supported by Axminster Tools, including a £1,000 prize awarded at a special presentation at Eltham Palace on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

Sean Evelegh set up his own furniture making business straight out of university, making pieces for clients all around the world. In 2020 he won a TV show called ‘The Chop’, to be crowned Britain’s top woodworker, competing as a teenager against experienced professionals. He was recently recognised by the Furniture Makers’ Company as one of 60 future leaders in the furniture industry.

The judging panel for this year’s award was made up of Alan Styles (Managing Director of Axminster Tools), Robin Wood (pole-lathe bowl turner and former Heritage Crafts Chair), Helen Welch (Founder and Head Instructor at the London Furniture School), and last year’s Woodworker of the Year, woodcarver Tom Ball.

Photo: Sean Evelegh, winner of the 2024 Young Woodworker of the Year Award, and Alan Styles, Managing Director of Axminster Tools. Photo by Robert Wade.