A shop update in is progress, and there has been considerable demand for lessons since they were launched in November. There are few turners within the London region, but it seems that this is not down to a lack of interest in the craft, but perhaps more to do with the practicalities of accessing a fully-equipped workshop.

In December, I welcomed Lee, whose goal was to turn a vase as a Christmas present. More recently, students have tried their hand at turning bowls and mallets.

The studio is in south-east London, so I was very pleased to hear from the groundskeeper at Eltham Palace recently. Eltham Palace is an art deco reimagining of a medieval palace, and when it was redesigned in the 1930s the owners planted several trees which are of historical significance. For unavoidable reasons, two of them, a yew and a horse chestnut, had to be felled. Rather than seeing the timber go to waste, Eltham Palace asked whether turners could make use of it. I was delighted to say yes, and now have several logs waiting to be wet-turned.

Having been lucky enough to come across some sizeable logs in interesting timbers recently, I have spent the past few weeks making a range of table lamps. Lamps can be ordered in a wide variety of timbers, and in almost any size or shape (wood permitting). Lampshades, handmade in a selection of fabrics, can be supplied as well. These lamps are made in sapele, with a lined shade, and burr maple, with a lined velvet shade. Please contact me if you’d like to discuss a commission.