Georgy Metichian

Cabinetmaker

©Dan Tsantilis

Finding his calling

Georgy is a member of the Art Workers' Guild London
He created an object for HRH Prince of Wales
He loves working with natural organic material

Georgy Metichian was born, raised and educated in an Armenian family in Tbilisi, Georgia. He specialised in wood technology at Tbilisi Art School before opening a workshop in his hometown to restore wood pieces and make his own. Already a rising star in furniture making and artistic wood carving in his home country, in 1994, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, he moved to London, hoping to exploit new opportunities to unlock his potential. Since then, he has worked for private clients on a range of bespoke commissions, mostly picture frames. His works can be seen in the National Gallery, the Imperial War Museum, Leighton House Museum, Ealing Cathedral, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Georgy also teaches his craft at an art school in London.

Interview

How did you get into contact with HRH The Prince of Wales?: When I met him at the Art Workers' Guild, I was working on an object for the Tower of London. He took great interest in my work and invited me to Highgrove to show him more. I had the opportunity to show my works in an exhibition at Buckingham Palace for the Prince’s 70th birthday.
Was this the most memorable moment in your career?: Another moment made me very happy. In 2009, I won the Wood Award, a competition for excellence in product design and architecture in wood offered by the Carpenters’ Company. I created a contemporary mirror frame carved in English walnut. It was subsequently purchased by the Carpenters’ Company.
What do you like most about your job?: I feel very deeply that my job is not a job, it’s a calling. I love every single part of it: visualising an object, sketching the design on a piece of paper and also the physical work. The whole process is exciting, but the most gratifying moment is when the client gets the object and beams with joy.
Is your work more connected with tradition or innovation?: My knowledge of traditional crafts helps me to create contemporary objects. As my professional roots lie in the field of restoration, I have always been part of the traditional craft world. But the more I’m developing my skills, the more contemporary design is becoming important.

Georgy Metichian is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1988