The Turnist

I create unique works of art and practical items using some of the most interesting and beautiful wood native to the UK.
This is obtained from windfalls, lightning strikes and even old agricultural farm buildings and fence posts. Any non-native timber used is from trusted and well managed sources.

I was Introduced to woodcraft at an early age by my late great uncle Edgar, a professional cabinet maker by trade and amateur woodcarver. Later in life I went on to work alongside the late Alan Cunningham, co-founder of Erwood Station Craft Centre & Gallery. Alan also put forward my recommendation for assessment onto the Register of Professional Turners. In early 2010 I moved into the workshop at Erwood Station, where I can usually be seen at work Wednesday to Sunday from February 14th until Christmas eve. If you are in the area and planning a trip it's wise to call ahead as I may be collecting or preparing timber elsewhere.

With a strong emphasis on design, quality and finish The Turnist is always striving to improve methods, techniques and productivity as well as developing new ideas and experimenting with design.

All my work is hand-made in the workshop at Erwood Station, to a very high standard using only premium grade timbers.

I use a several types of finishes; various types of natural oils and waxes, friction polishes and occasionally lacquers. Often, a combination yields the best result. They all have one thing in common however - elbow grease! Any finish applied can only be as good as the prepared surface of the timber. For more information about my methods and work take a look at my article Woodturning - frequently Asked Questions.

Woodturning is a very ancient craft, with some of the earliest examples dating back to 1300bc when the ancient Egyptians first devloped a two-person lathe. One person would turn the wood with a rope while the other used a sharp tool to cut shapes in the wood. The basic method is still the same today; the timber is worked by revolving it on an axis while the turner cuts the wood by passing a hand tool over it. Take a look at the video's on the right for a brief woodturning demonstration.