About John

John Birdsall Woodturner

My interest in wood began at an early age but developed at secondary school where I first learned woodturning. Unfortunately, by attending an old fashioned grammar school which was very academically orientated, I was not encouraged to pursue my woodworking skills as a career.
Although continuing with woodworking as an occasional interest, repairing and restoring furniture for personal use, until recent years, I have not treated it as a serious hobby.
Finally a few years ago I joined a night class for furniture making, the tutor being a local and well respected cabinet maker Chris Tribe.

Having now taken early retirement and built myself a workshop and by putting together a comprehensive tool kit, I can indulge in my passion for 17thC and 18thC country furniture. The stool featured is a copy of a late 17thC original I cannot afford to own.

I have recently exhibited my work at a number of local art exhibitions including the prestigious Holmfirth Art week.

A lathe came high on the workshop priorities and another indulgence is turning. I love wood, its natural beauty is fantastic, but much of the most interesting timber is of little use in cabinet work, and I tend to turn what others burn.
My wife Jane assists me with marketing my work, whilst she herself is engaged in making felt wood folk and fairies, which we sell along with my turned pieces at craft fairs.

Every piece I make is a true original, and looking at my work, even back to school days, bowls which taper in toward the top are certainly a common feature, along with undercut double concave rims.
I hope, having looked at my gallery, you too will share my love of the natural beauty of wood.