Cultural Business Venture Cumbria (CBVC) celebrated its first birthday in September 2005.  One of the first successful applicants to receive revenue investment funding was the Broughton-in-Furness based designer/maker Michael Slaney. Michael impressed the CBVC grant making panel with the high standard of workmanship demonstrated in his pieces as well as the combination of traditional skills and innovative contemporary design.

Michael received funding from CBVC for upgrading his portfolio and promotional literature. Katie Wise, the CBVC co-ordinator said “There is no shortage of creative talent in Cumbria. We at CBVC want to give businesses such as Michael’s the means to identify and reach new markets for their work. We want to raise the profile of Cumbria as a centre for excellence in the Creative Industries”.

Although much of Michael’s work is made to commission, he also produces speculative pieces for exhibition. His work covers a full range of domestic furniture, but he also designs to meet the differing needs of architects & corporate clients. Michael exhibits locally at shows such as the Holker Garden Festival and the Lowther Show. You can also often see his work in Galleries such as the Pinfold Gallery in Bowness-on-Windermere and at other venues outside the county.

2006 is going to be a busy year for Michael. The year begins with a continuation of the Christmas exhibition at Gallery 23 in Lancaster (till 31 January). He is also planning a special exhibition – ‘select’ -  with Made in Cumbria.  

You can see examples of Michael’s commissioned work as well as details of his other lines of work which include furniture restoration and reproduction furniture on his website www.michaelslaneydesign.co.uk .  

If you wish to contact Michael by phone his number is 01229 715 014.
Cultural Business Venture Cumbria can be contacted on 01931 711147, the co-ordinator is Katie Wise.