ABOUT US

Shortly before retiring from the Metropolitan Police Force in 1993 I took up pictorial marquetry as a hobby, joining Redbridge Marquetry Group and being successful in winning several awards. Whilst attending the Marquetry Society stand at Alexander Palace in November 1991, I became interested in a woodturning demonstration on an adjacent stand and followed this through by arranging a course of instruction. Thereafter my interest focused on turning, equipping my workshop and continual practice (no more marquetry). In early 1992 I joined THAMESIDE WOODTURNING CLUB as a way of interacting with other turners, at the same time joining the AWGB. When I moved house to Hertfordshire in 2000, I also joined EAST HERTS WOODTURNERS. I have attended many master-class workshops and an AWGB residential Seminar, which was attended by many of the country’s leading woodturners. From small local craft events I progressed into attending many prestigious shows in East Anglia and the South East. Having gained a wide experience from these I now concentrate more locally on National Trust, Guild of Essex Craftsmen and Forestry Commission orientated events. My work has resulted in many commissions and I am proud to say that there are examples of my work in many far flung countries. I was also involved in producing an item for the ‘1805 Collection’, which was made using old oak from HMS Victory. The item, a wine bottle coaster, is available from NAUTICALIA.

I take pride in producing a wide range of items specialising in wooden fruit, kaleidoscopes and pens. I use woods from around the world, with the emphasis being on their grains and natural colour. I sell my work through craft fairs, by mail order and by commission. I was accepted into the GUILD OF ESSEX CRAFTSMEN in 1995 and, proudly, onto the REGISTER OF PROFESSIONAL TURNERS in 1999. I have wide experience in giving Talks and Demonstrations and am on the Panel of W.I. Speakers for the Counties of Essex and Hertfordshire. By invitation I have demonstrated at many Woodturning Clubs, and for the manufacturers at the launch of a new lathe.
 
FIG FAIRS
With years of continuing experience in exhibiting at craft fairs, my wife and I have, since 1997, organised craft events under the name FIG FAIRS. As well as organising at venues as diverse as a public School in North Norfolk, stables at a Norfolk Race Course, in military tents at the 50th anniversary of the Ministry of Defence Police, we have had the privilege of arranging craft events on behalf of The Royal National Rose Society at St. Albans, for 3 years, and at CAPEL MANOR HORTICULTURAL COLLEGE at Enfield since 2003. We have also organised a traditional Christmas Craft Fair in our local community hall for the past 7 years and, this year, attended Sawbridgeworth Farmers Market. The criteria for our events are that the exhibitor has made the product, thereby giving a personal service. Good presentation is the order of the day, demonstrations are actively encouraged and no effort is spared in publicising our events. We feel by wearing two hats we can achieve the sort of environment at our fairs that we would wish to work in and are proud of the many compliments we have received on the high standard and variety of crafts achieved and the friendly atmosphere.

Enquiries are always welcomed from genuine craft-workers and newcomers to their skills are actively encouraged.