Our History
Way back when until present day. Discover our business milestones...
2002 - 2010
2002: Tom studied 3D Design for Sustainability at Falmouth Art College where he discovered his love for woodwork and steam bending as a speciality.
2005: Whilst at University, Tom develops a unique method of steam bending wood which allows for steam bending to be used to help create a wider range of bends and designs.
Tom, alongside two fellow university graduates, create SIXIXIS – a design company passionate about transforming locally sourced unseasoned timber (otherwise used for firewood) into contemporary design furniture, lighting, and bespoke sculptural pieces.
2007: SIXIXIS win the Laurent Perrier Design Talent award.
SIXIXIS carry out a 30 metre steam bent sculptural for the Gold Awarded Andy Sturgeon Garden and Chelsea Flower Show.
2008: Tom starts his own business, specialising in crafting steam bent lights and furniture - starting with the iconic No. 1 Pendant.
2011 - 2015
2011: Tom Raffield wins the LIA’s Best Luminaire for the No. 1 Pendant and the Flock Chandelier.
The workshop within the Nanskerris woodland is built from timber on site – this would later become Tom Raffield HQ.
2013: Tom Raffield Ltd create the company’s first installation at Chelsea Flower Show.
2014: Tom Raffield Ltd was selected for the Walpole Brands of Tomorrow programme along with nine other British brands.
Tom Raffield lighting launches with John Lewis Partnership and Heal’s.
2016 - 2020
2016: The impressive Grand Designs wooden wavy home is complete!
2017: Tom Raffield Ltd win Walpole’s Best Emerging Brand.
2018: Tom Raffield Ltd complete a series of steam bent coffee kiosks throughout London’s Royal Parks.
The Tom Raffield team showcase their talents with their Pavillion stand and the Raymond Blanc Jardin Blanc installation at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
2019: Tom Raffield Ltd is commissioned by the Institute of Physics to create a steam bent reception desk.
The company thrived, outgrowing the Nanskerris HQ so relocated to beautiful Falmouth.
Our RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Main Avenue Force of Nature Courtyard wins 5* award.
A bespoke bench was commissioned for RHS Hampton Court Palace X Smart Meter garden.
2020: We became a climate positive workforce, partnering with Ecologi, helping deliver the world’s best climate crisis solutions.
Dodds & Shute Global Sustainability Report – the only British brand in the top ten.
2021 - 2025
2021: Our Drift Pendant was a Designers Guild Mark Award finalist. Our Loer Pendant was awarded in the Grazia Interior Awards (sustainable products category) and Elle Decoration’s British Design Awards.
Our bespoke steam bent wooden egg was featured in the Yeo Valley X Tom Massey Chelsea Flower Show Garden.
2024: We open our first London showroom at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
2025: Tom Raffield Ltd return to their roots, refocusing on lighting designs.