Mark Ripley trained at Leicester Polytechnic where he was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the spiritual creativity of the Shakers. His pieces feature recurring themes that have evolved through over 20 years of professional work. Design and making have become integrated to create furniture with a meditative simplicity and inherent economy. Mark is a member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen and the Hampshire and Berkshire Guild of Craftsmen, he exhibits his work widely and his designs have featured in numerous books and magazines. His own book Furniture Making Projects and Plans (GMC Publications Ltd 2008) has recently been reprinted.

Mark has recently been selected to appear on the Craft & Design website.