At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning patinas and finishes for bespoke furniture and lighting in a creative workshop.
- Company: Cox Workshops Ltd, renowned for artisanal sculptural lighting and furniture.
- Benefits: Full-time role in a supportive environment with opportunities for artistic growth.
- Other info: Collaborative studio atmosphere valuing craftsmanship and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and bring your artistic vision to life with high-end designs.
- Qualifications: Experience in decorative finishing and a keen eye for colour and detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Cox London are artisanal makers of unique sculptural lighting, furniture, and artworks of the highest calibre. We are commissioned by celebrated interior decorators, collectors and discerning private individuals worldwide, and work with a deep respect for materials and traditional craftsmanship, resulting in sculptural works that are as functional as they are poetic.
We are seeking a Patination & Colour Finishing Technician to join our creative finishing team. This full‑time, workshop‑based role centres on the development and application of hand‑applied colour finishes, patinas and surface treatments for bespoke interior pieces. This is a creative, hands‑on role focused on developing and applying patinated and hand‑finished colour surfaces for high‑end furniture and lighting. Working within a collaborative London workshop studio, you will use visual judgement, material knowledge and specialist finishing techniques to create distinctive, design‑led surfaces. Working closely with designers, makers and production colleagues, you will interpret visual references, samples and creative briefs to achieve nuanced, layered and expressive finishes. This role is ideal for a colour‑led finisher who enjoys combining technical skill with artistic judgement, and who takes pride in producing work of exceptional quality. You will be part of a supportive studio environment where craftsmanship, experimentation and learning are valued.
Role Requirements (essential)
- Proven experience in patination, decorative metal finishing or colour‑led surface work
- Strong understanding of hand‑applied colour finishes, layering and tonal variation
- Excellent visual judgement with an eye for colour, texture and surface detail
- Ability to work accurately from samples, references and creative briefs
- A collaborative, adaptable approach within a workshop or studio environment
- Strong awareness and implementation of Health & Safety practices
Role Requirements (desirable)
- Experience working on bespoke furniture, lighting or interior pieces
- Background in applied arts, decorative finishing or similar craft discipline
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and apply bespoke patinas and hand‑finished colour surfaces on wood, metal, glass and plaster
- Work with hot and cold patination processes to achieve a range of visual effects
- Lacquer, distress and finish surfaces to meet creative and technical specifications
- Create and refine finish samples for approval and production
- Collaborate with production and design teams to realise creative intent
- Maintain a clean, safe and well‑organised finishing workspace
- Uphold company standards of craftsmanship, quality and consistency
Skills and Behaviours (essential)
- Collaborative, able to work supportively in a team
- Share learning openly so others can grow
- Considers other perspectives, pressures and needs with care and clarity
- Elevates outcomes by experimenting, refining and finding better ways
- Combine intuition, craft knowledge and data to make decisions
- Deliver consistently and own responsibilities end‑to‑end
- Anticipates risks early and addresses them proactively
- Able to draw on collective wisdom by asking for input when needed
- Attention to detail with an eye for form, colour and design
- The ability to meet targets and deadlines with excellent time management skills
- Approachable manner and good communication skills
- Ability to work in a logical, systematic manner
- Awareness and implementation of health and safety issues
Qualifications
- Fine Art or Design qualification such as a BA, BSc or BDes
- A college certificate in metal work finishing processes
- Time served in a creative role involving hand painted finishes
- BA in Production Arts, Theatre Design, or Set Design for Stage & Screen
Patination & Finishing Technician employer: Cox London
Cox Workshops Ltd is an exceptional employer located in London, offering a vibrant and collaborative workshop environment where creativity and craftsmanship thrive. As a Patination & Finishing Technician, you will benefit from a supportive culture that values artistic expression and technical skill, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development within the realm of bespoke design. With a commitment to quality and innovation, working here means being part of a team that creates unique, high-end pieces cherished by clients worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Patination & Finishing Technician
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Cox London, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Patination & Finishing Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Cox London specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cox London
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Cox London, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Cox London value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
