I'll have some very special bowls on display during C-Art

Way back in 2009, I was approached by the National Trust and asked if I could make use of a fallen tree, which belonged to them. This was the Wordsworth beech and proved to be a very special part of our history!

I carefully prepared all of the timber, being sure to waste as little as possible. The thinner branches were turned into a range of tea light holders and the thicker ones made some small bowls and platters. There were however, some larger sections, which were rough turned into sizeable blanks. These are now dry and will soon be turned and finished. During my open studio, I’ll be displaying these special bowls in my showroom, along with some one offs from my own timber store. These will include some gorgeous burr oak fruit bowls and a very large piece in burr elm!

The C-Art (Cumbria artists) open studio trail takes place during the second half of September and runs for a full two weeks. You'll be able to see all of my work 'in the flesh' and watch me turn a variety of natural edge bowls. You'll even be able to commission a piece, after choosing the wood yourself – and you can’t get better than that!

Here's some of this months work on display in my showroom - there'll be an even bigger selection during C-Art.

C-Art details...

My open studio will run from 14th until 29th September. I'll be open between 10 am and 5 pm from Tuesday until Sunday, both weeks. However, please call me if you wish to come, but are unable to make these times, as alternative arrangements can easily be made.

Travel directions...

From the M6;

Leave the motorway at junction 44 (Carlisle north) and head for Workington along the new bypass. Continue along this road until you reach the roundabout sign posted Kirkbride. This is the seventh roundabout from the motorway. Turn right for Kirkbride and stay on this road until you reach Fingland village (8 miles) - you will pass through Moorhouse, Thurstonfield and Kirkbampton. We are on the left hand side about half a mile further on from Fingland, but before Kirkbride - look out for a green oak porch and stone wall!

Heading from the Lake District;

From the A66, head towards the main roundabout at Keswick. Take the turn off sign posted Bothel and Carlisle and follow this road for about 12 miles until it terminates at a T junction. Turn right onto the A595 and head down the hill towards Carlisle. Take the first left hand turn for Wigton in about 8 miles. This is at the Red Dial crossroads, just past the Sun Inn. Follow this road until it terminates at the monument in the center of Wigton. Turn right at this T junction and then left towards Kirkbride, a few meters down the road. You should then pass Wigton railway station, just before this road terminates at the bypass.

From Wigton, turn right onto the bypass (A596) and then left almost straight away (sign posted Kirkbride). Head along this road (B5307) and follow signs to Kirkbride. Greenspot is aprox 1.5 miles after Kirkbride, but before Fingland. We are on the right hand side. Look out for our outside staircase, stone wall and green oak porch!

If you prefer to use a sat nav, then my post code is CA7 5EH or you may want to see this google map