Mark Boddington MSDC

'I started the company over 39 years ago because I wanted to create furniture like nothing else. I am still inspired by that idea and the passion for sharing the commissioning journey with our clients and our talented growing team.' Mark Boddington.

Based in North Wales, Silverlining stands as a beacon of creative excellence and innovation, seamlessly blending tradition and technology through a diverse array of specialized skills under one roof.

At Silverlining, its designers, scientists, and makers collaborate to create one-of-a-kind furniture that is nothing short of extraordinary. The company's expertise combines traditional hand skills such as cabinetmaking, carving, marquetry, leatherwork, and finishing with modern technologies, including 3D printing, laser and CNC cutting, and artificial intelligence, redefining craftsmanship in the contemporary era.

1985

• Driven by a love of wood and a passion for furniture making, Mark Boddington age 19, opted out of his family's famous brewing business to train under the renowned furniture designer/maker John Makepeace OBE.

1988

• With an eye for extraordinary materials and fine furniture-making skills, Mark quickly became sought after by British patrons, including the Duke and Duchess of Westminster. Silverlining’s creations grace both indoor and outdoor spaces at the family’s historic home, a testament to his artistry and precision.

1990

• Through the work for Her Grace the Duchess of Westminster Mark was commissioned by other British aristocratic families and the American-born art collector Stanley J. Seeger of Sutton Place. Through these connections, the Hollywood era began, with furniture then being made for Madonna, David Bowie, Kevin Costner and Tom Ford, among many others.

1995

• Thanks to his commitment to groundbreaking craftsmanship, Mark received his first yacht commission for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei, introducing him to the world of furniture making for homes on the sea. The workshop’s reputation for innovative materials and craftsmanship brought a new of detail to yacht interior design.

2005

• A dedicated design department is established at Silverlining, testing the limits of modern furniture making by combining groundbreaking original design ideas with innovative contemporary craftsmanship techniques.

2008-2011

• Silverlining embarks on a visionary journey to change the future landscape of furniture making. The thinking is captured in three influential books: ‘Silverlining The Art of Furniture’, ‘Design, Innovation and 21st Century Craftsmanship and ‘Future Perfect A Manifesto for 21st Century Craftsmanship’. These publications serve as sources of knowledge, providing a legacy, raising awareness and fostering a community dedicated to advancing the art and science of furniture making.

2015

• Silverlining launches its own research and development department driving innovation in the furniture industry. As a means of capturing our latest design thinking, Silverlining unveils a collection of maquette artworks every year, showcasing our very latest material, finish and technical innovations. They serve as inspiration for our clients and a starting point for the commissioning journey.

2018-2019

• Now recognised as a global team with commissions from all five continents of the world, Silverlining is honoured with two Queens’s Awards – for export and innovation – acknowledging the company’s international expansion and pioneering work in the development of new materials and techniques.

• The company launches the Silverlining Academy of Skills, as part of Mark’s focus on legacy – not just for his business, but to advance and preserve craft, skills and techniques for future generations. Mark has established a clear focus on bringing people into the industry and providing a clear path for growth and progression.

2024 & beyond

• As Silverlining celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, the company sets its sights on the next decade with new ambitious projects to redefine modern furniture making by pushing further the boundaries of creativity, user interaction and sustainability, in luxury furniture creation.