Martin Wilmes

Cabinetmaker

©Martin Wilmes

Sculptural furniture

Martin creates complex furniture that belies its simple appearance
He runs a creative space with two fellow artisans
The Grassi Museum Leipzig recently awarded him a prize

Martin Wilmes has worked independently as a furniture maker for more than 20 years. Martin's furniture's clear aesthetics and high quality ensure their appeal, but their rich and varied ideas are revealed when they are in use. His storage furniture often surprises with its simple yet sophisticated mechanics. Martin is well rooted in the lively Bremen arts and crafts scene. Together with two other artisans, he runs the Bremer creative gallery, raum Handwerk & Design. His workshop rooms have been in the Künstlerhaus Bremen since 2017. Along with the wood workshop, there are studios of artists, designers and other creatives as well as a gallery. Apart from making furniture, Martin often aids with the processing of wood for the other artists. Along with his unique pieces, he also produces small series of home furnishings and accessories.

Interview

©Martin Wilmes

©Martin Wilmes

How would you describe what you do?: I create sculpture-like furniture using classic craftsmanship methods. When designing furniture, I aim to make it suitable for many different environments. Dual functions are also an important factor to me.
What do you mean by dual functions?: My goal is to approach the construction of furniture in a unique and new way and to tuck in clever features that people wouldn't expect. They can be functional and aesthetic in nature.
Do you have an example?: My drawer Schubkastensäule, for example, consists of eight rotatable drawer bodies whose fronts are mitered and painted with chalk paint. By twisting individual levels, the furniture can be positioned in a variety of settings and can change its colour design.
What is a memorable moment in your professional life?: I've been invited to the Grassi fair in Leipzig every year for many years and have always produced a work for it. In 2020, I was awarded the Grassi Prize by the Carl and Anneliese Goerdeler Foundation.

Martin Wilmes is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1993