As a designer-maker, Henry has a deep-rooted love of textures and patina. He trained initially with wood, exploring and learning the abilities of the natural material. His need to try new ideas combined with his alchemist tendencies, pushed him to develop a faux shagreen. “I liked it because of its texture and ability to take colour well. I won’t use the real thing so came up with a method for making it with resin.” A true material alchemist, Henry has crafted a contemporary version of shagreen so real it has fooled many.
Using the same techniques with patterns and textures, Henry has also developed amazing faux boa, silk, and linen. Combining colours with metallic finishes create those special patinas seen on so many Forwood Design pieces’ We hope you enjoy browsing through Henry’s material quests as much as he enjoys sharing them.
Inspired by nature & history
Recently Henry has produced a Malachite finish, a new Henry Forwood creative technique designed and developed for Forwood Design. Slick and chic, the Malachite surface is made using a photographic process. Henry has created a Malachite Collection of trays, coasters, treasure boxes, mirrors etc. A truly glamorous collection of luxury Malachite furniture and accessories to bring alive any home interior.
Passion for textures and patina
A true material alchemist, Henry has crafted a contemporary version of the organic shagreen. He has developed amazing faux boa, silk, and linen. All these patterns come in a range of colours with metallic finishes to create special and unique patinas.
Whilst each Forwood Design piece is unique, the core philosophy remains the same: design by nature, nature by design.
Combining colours with metallic finishes create those special patinas seen on so many Forwood Design pieces.
Welcome to Forwood Design
Based in England, all Forwood Design furniture and home accents are inspired by the beauty of nature. Whether it’s a grand console table or a simple photo frame, each piece is meticulously crafted to present a luxurious finish.
Henry has a hands-on approach to design and he follows each piece from its initial concept through the manufacturing process to its resolution.
We are pleased to invite you to browse through our collection of luxurious, classic and contemporary designs by Henry Forwood. Henry is an English designer who has spent the last 30 years developing and manufacturing designs for clients worldwide. A country boy at heart, nature has an enormous impact on all of Henry’s designs. This is echoed in every detail of his work: from his iconic shagreen surface textures to that perfect tray handle inspired from a twig found in the jungle.
