From childhood days my passion has been working with wood and clay.
After studying arts and crafts at Medway College of Art (now called University Of The Creative Arts) 1971-1975.
I began my career as a studio potter, whilst continuing to work with wood: Making bespoke furniture.
From 1990 I began experimenting in the making of violins, trialing different woods, shapes, arching and thicknessing until I came to understand how minute differences and deviations affect the final instrument. Each sample of wood has it's character. For 40 years I've selected and stored choice pieces of wood, sometimes whole trees. . .
I acquired a large slabbed maple tree in 1994;So far I have made 59 violins with one piece backs from this, and there is still enough for another 40 plus; it produces a clear reliable, pleasing tone. . .
It has taken the making of many instruments to begin to understand which woods to use and the best way to work them, considering their influences on tone and performance.