Justin Crofton Designer Maker

About

A flexible, efficient designer maker, Justin's extensive experience in theatre, exhibition, photographic and television set construction, has added a distinctive and innovative element to all aspects of his design.

Justin's comprehensive knowledge of design, materials and methods of fabrication has enabled him to explore and create aesthetic, unique and practical kitchens, storage solutions and individual bespoke spaces for his clients.

Justin Crofton trained at the Camberwell and Ravensbourne Schools of Art in sculpture, followed by a post graduate studies at The National Theatre Studios, London on the Motley Theatre Design course.

Career & Achievements

Maker & fitter of bespoke furniture/kitchens & general joinery at Westside Design Workshops 2001-2006

Construct & fit furniture/kitchens to high specifications to suit architects needs
Plumbing & electrical knowledge relevant to fitting
Other work includes fitting & construction of the Bandstand at The De La Warr Pavilion Bexhill-On-Sea
Contender for the R.I.B.A. awards 2002
Construction of museum display cabinets, Holbourn Museum, Bath

Head of construction, Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury 2000-2001

Management of construction staff for the busy 500 theatre
Responsibility for all aspects of set building and construction for performance
Work from Designers brief compiling working drawings & scale models
Manage set budgets

Designer maker of interactive displays for museums McAndroids Ltd. 1997-2000

Planned, designed & organised job from initial concept through to completion
Responsibility for on-site installation
Assisted in management ofworkshop
Advised on choice of materials & construction methods
Ordering of materials & consumables

Established Workshop Self Employed Furniture Designer 1994-1999

Construction of sculptured furniture using steel and wood
ran workshop successfully
Established gallery outlets for products
Recipient of South West Arts Major Award and Marketing Award 1995,1997
Member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen
Permanent exhibits at the Bristol Museum Art Gallery

Freelance Work 1998

Constructing patterns for bronze fountain sculptures, Sheffield City Council, Millennium Project
Co-Designer of the 'Secret Gardens' a public art commission for Dunally SCH design, construction and installation

Theatre Experience

Set and Prop Construction for Souvenir Ltd 1989-1994

Set designs were large-scale productions for the Royal Opera House, National Theatre and Barbican
Responsible for realising set designs from scaled model and drawings
Advising on best method and materials for construction of set designs
Liaised with set designers
Attended paint calls, on-stage assembles
Used a wide variety of machinery for wood and steel construction
Gained extensive knowledge of materials and fabrication methods for theatre practice