I first became interested in woodturning when I watched Matthew Calder turning large hollow forms at Yandles show in 1997, and decided I wanted to have a go myself. I had access to a Graduate Lathe via my job as a teacher, so proceeded to turn a birch log into a hollow form.
I made loads of mistakes, but with a good sanding it looked OK and I was hooked!
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My
first turning,
Birch Hollow form 10 x 15 cm |
I learned by reading books on turning and watching Bert Marsh, Phil Irons and Ray Key amongst others, demonstrating at Axminster Power Tools shop in Axminster.
I left full-time teaching in August 2002 to devote more time to woodturning and now I teach part-time and am a part-time wood-turner.
Competition Success
Bronze award at "Tools2002" for turning a natural edge burr.
Silver award at "Tools2003" in the open gallery for a hollow form
Gold award at "Tools2005" in the professional category for a lattice work bowl.
Second prize in the Prestige category at the International woodworking exhibition at Alexandra Palace in Feb 2006 with a lattice work dish.
Third prize in the Prestige category at the International woodworking exhibition at Alexandra Palace in Feb 2007 with a zig-zag bowl.
First prize in the delegates competition at Axminster Power Tools "Strictly Woodturning" event in October 2009 with a laburnum lattice bowl.
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Bronze award winner Maple natural edge vase 25 x 18 cm |
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Silver award winner Holm Oak Burr Hollow Form 30 x 24 cm |
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Gold award winner Pau Amarello Lattice work bowl 27 x 6 cm |
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Second prize winner Sycamore Lattice work dish 32 x 6cm |
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Third prize winner Padauk Zig-zag bowl 47 x 8cm
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First prize winner Laburnum Lattice bowl 22 x 6 cm |
My work can be seen at the following galleries :-
Dansel Craftwork Gallery in Abbotsbury, Dorset
Burford Woodcraft, Burford, Oxfordshire
Somerset Guild of Craftsmen , Courthouse Gallery, Somerton, Somerset