SHIRLEY DIXON, ARCHIVE OFFICER

Left of image, Alan Peters’ Romanian Chest currently on display in the exhibition ‘Moving Forward, the Crafts Study Centre at 50’.

The furniture maker Alan Peters, who died in 2009, kept detailed records of his work, which are now available for consultation at the Crafts Study Centre. The archive is rich in correspondence with clients and with colleagues all over the world as well as with evidence of the running of his business, including files on materials and services.

In his 50-year career Alan Peters made innovative exquisitely-crafted furniture ranging from pieces for individual customers to suites of furniture for corporate clients. Among many other honours, he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Designer Craftsmen in 1968, and the society presented him with its Centennial Medal in 1988. He was appointed OBE in 1990, and in 2002 he received the Award of Distinction from the American Furniture Society. He acted as Advisor to the Crafts Study Centre's Acquisitions Committee in the 1980s and from 1989 to 1999 served as one of the Centre's Trustees.

Trained as an apprentice at Edward Barnsley’s workshop, Alan Peters was deeply influenced by the ‘Cotswold School’ of furniture making. He took inspiration from its history, and also from furniture and decorative arts of the Far East, with visits to Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan, and research in museum collections. His papers include records of his studies and memorabilia of his visits.

Much sought-after as a teacher, he was visiting lecturer at John Makepeace’s School for Craftsmen in Wood at Parnham House, Beaminster, Dorset, 1978-1988, and from 1982 was College Assessor for the Licentiate scheme of the Society of Designer Craftsmen. He lectured often in the U.S.A. and Canada, and in 1984 he undertook a 6-week tour in New Zealand and Australia, giving lectures and running workshops. From 1989 to 1994 he was visiting lecturer at Letterfrack College in Ireland.

Shirley Dixon catalogues the archives and manuscripts acquired by the Crafts Study Centre, and also manages the Centre’s own records. She has extensive experience as an archivist and cataloguer in record offices, libraries and museums.