Latest News
Demo at Burcot Woodturners
It is always a pleasure to demonstrate at one of my local clubs - Burcot Woodturners.
I turned a bowl, plate and egg cup and covered the principles of bowl turning and shared the best ways to deal with cutting end grain when turning.
For the club demo write up and photos please follow the club link - https://burcotwoodturners.com/februarys-monthly-meeting-demonstration-by-steve-gordon/
SEN SHED
I was privileged to join fellow Tuners at the first training day at the SEN SHED on the 25 January 2026.
David Weaver founder of the charity SEN SHED explained that their mission is to deliver Safe, Engaging and creative Woodturning experiences for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The training day was supported by AWGB and the Worshipful Company of Turners.
I am passionate about Youth Training and that it is inclusive to all. I was very impressed by the students and I was delighted to work with Harrison who made a beautiful bud vase.
I am committed to help increase awareness of SEN SHED and look forward to working with more students in the future.
For more information please click - https://www.facebook.com/groups/3275598842591007/
We Will Remember Them - Wizardry In Wood 2025
I was commended in the Felix Levy category at Wizardry in Wood 2025 held at Plaisterers' Hall in London.
I made these beautiful Poppies out of birch for the flower heads and the stems from laburnum. I painted them using red stain and finished them with a gloss acrylic lacquer from Chestnut Products.
https://chestnutproducts.co.uk/
Commended - Wizardry In Wood 2025
I was commended in the Master's Competition at Wizardry in Wood 2025 held at Plaisterers' Hall in London.
This Masur Birch Box was turned and displayed on stone, and accented with a boxwood collar and pink ivory finial. It represents not only a technical and aesthetic achievement, but also a deeply personal turning point in that the birch was from the late Ray Key estate.
First Place - Wizardry In Wood 2025
I was thrilled to be awarded a first in the HE Twentyman category at Wizardry in Wood 2025 in conjunction with the Society of Ornamental Turners.
My Pill Silverer is a modern replica of a 19th century tool used by apothecaries to coat newly-made pills. While cheaper pills were dusted with talc, wealthier clients preferred pills coated in silver and gold.
I made this from boxwood and gilded the inside.
Three Fates
By Artist Eleanor Crook
I have enjoyed working with British sculptor and artist Elanor Crook who has her Three Fates displayed at the Platform for Contemporary Arts (PAK), Gistel, Belgium.
The bases are made from sapele which I painted black and lacquered.
Yandles - Masters of the Lathe II
I am delighted to be demonstrating at Yandles on Saturday, 23rd August for Masters of the Lathe II.
This event will feature a wealth of well-known Woodturners all demonstrating at this FREE event, hosted on-site, at Yandles inside a dedicated Woodturning Marque! From bowls to hollow forms, goblets to boxes, Yandles are assembling an A-Team of top demonstrators to showcase their skills on the lathe. Supported by Record Power, each Woodturner will have their own lathe & will be demonstrating throughout the day.
Freeman Declaration
I was delighted to attend the Freeman Declaration ceremony where I became a member of The Worshipful Company of Turners in London.
With four other new members and with my family by my side, we were warmly welcomed by The Clerk, The Master and Wardens.
We received a box containing the history of the Company which is very interesting reading. One of the oldest livery companies in the City of London, the Turners' Company was already a guild in the 12th Century. To this day, the Company continues to celebrate and support the 'art or mysterie' of turning.
https://turnersco.com/company/company-history/
Workbridge - Training
I have recently delivered the Certificate in Woodturning at Workbridge in Northampton. Congratulations to Stuart Whitney & Graham Freeman who have passed their assessment and will now be offering the Certificate Course to their service users.
Workbridge is a charity, vocational education service and retail space.
The Vocational Education Service provides vocational and education skill-led sessions and work experience, helping people living with mental illness, autism, learning disability or brain injury the chance to build life, vocational and employment skills.
The Stanton Guildhouse - Training
I have recently delivered the Certificate in Woodturning from The Stanton Guildhouse, a stunning setting in the Cotswolds. The course ran once a week, over 13 weeks and the students completed the certificate just in time for Christmas. Some lovely projects were produced by each student.
Congratulations to Giles Dugmore, Andrew Downey, John Grayson & MIchael Tambini who have passed their assessment.
I am looking forward to running more courses at Stanton.
2025 Dates to be confirmed shortly.
https://www.stantonguildhouse.org.uk/
Donating a Lathe at Workbridge
I enjoyed celebrating the achievements of the Woodturning team at Workbridge.
It was great to see a donation of a fully accessible lathe to Workbridge from The Company of Turners.
The Master, Christopher Scott, handed over a lathe donated by the Company to Stuart Whitney of Workbridge, a Northampton charity that does great work in delivering vocational education for those with mental illness, autism or brain injuries. The lathe is specially adaptable for those with accessibility needs.