Medical retirement after a varied career - which included farming, engineering, transport, plus manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing of fishing tackle - allowed Peter to use dormant metal turning skills as a basis for therapy. This soon turned into woodturning.
Peter claims a zero level of both artistic ability and interpretation, also claiming that this allows him the freedom to examine the far boundaries of wood art, often examing a piece until it finally destructs!
Most of the wood Peter uses is locally sourced, some is reclaimed, or else it is offcuts from construction work. With the help of friends he is able to source many of the various indigenous tree species which are converted to turning blanks and seasoned in house.
Peter now operates from a small therapy workroom attached to his home, large enough just for a custom-made woodturning lathe and very basic ancillary equipment, perferring to turn wood rather than carpentry or cabinet making.
The finished pieces are available at the few Genuine Jersey events and Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society shows that he attends. They are also available from his workplace (strictly by appointment only). Peter does not normally accept commissions, which he feels are the province of fully professional turners. “I sell because I wish to share that enjoyment with others and, perhaps, purchase further supplies with the money earned.” There is also the factor of domestic bliss; too many artefacts may take up valued shelf space. Perhaps that career in retailing still colours Peter’s perceptions! He now donates a percentage of his work to a Home Nursing charity.
Anyone wishing to visit Peter should telephone 07797 733199 for a time and for directions. Visitors are restricted to one car and preferably only two people at a time. They must also be labrador compliant!
