The Stuart Mortimer Demonstration at the Kennet and Avon Woodturners
Saturday 18th February 2023
Foreword by our Chairman, John Boyne-Aitken
“Very few turners in the world today have the experience and skills to produce such well- designed and much sought after pieces
than Stuart Mortimer. Following a career in the Police he took up woodturning and became rather good at it. He is internationally
famous amongst woodturners for his signature works that encompass twist work of the highest quality. He became a demonstrator
and woodturning tutor and was the man behind the youth training initiative that teaches young turners in the UK the best and
safest way to turn.
He became a national judge and wrote for woodturning magazines and has had his own books published, now he is the head judge
for the UK competitions. Showcasing his turning skills all over the world including taking part in the Woodturning Cruise.
Stuart was awarded Master in Turning by the Worshipful Company of Turners of London in 2014 and is a Liveryman with the
Worshipful Company of Turners and a Freeman of the City of London, he is also on the Register of Professional Turners (RPT).
He is a member of the Association of Wood Turners of Great Britain (AWGB) and the Society of Ornamental Turners (SOT) London,
he is also a Life member of the American Association of Wood Turners (AAW).
As a club we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be able to book Stuart for an all-day demonstration. His easy manner and
consummate skill at the lathe left many of us spell bound at the speed with which he produced so many different examples of his
trademark twist work. He not only explained his methods of marking out ready to apply the tools but also alternative methods and
tools were shown and demonstrated. During a hastily consumed lunch he continued to answer questions about his work, some of
which he graciously allowed us to handle. All in all, we had a day with Stuart Mortimer that many of us will remember for a very
long time.”
The Press Release by Philip J Lobb
(PR and Vice Chairman of the Kennet and Avon Woodturners)
“The Kennet & Avon Woodturners managed to book Stuart Mortimer for an all-day demonstration on Saturday 18 February.
Phil Lobb the club spokesman said that club members were given a rare treat as Stuart shared with them turning skills and
techniques that were mind-blowing.
Stuart Mortimer is an award winning internationally known woodturner with a wide knowledge in many aspects of turning, he is most
famous for his spiral work. His demonstrating and teaching skills are recognised both at home and abroad. Stuart is a self-taught
turner from as far back as 1968, winner of many National awards for his woodwork, he has built up an international reputation and
is highly regarded by his peers and collectors alike in many areas of turning, he is a writer, teacher, demonstrator, and consultant to
turners and turning groups throughout the U.K., Europe, Scandinavia the U.S.A. and Australia. Stuart is keen to push himself into
fresh areas of turning and has a reputation for introducing new designs and ideas. He is a Registered Professional Turner. He is also a
Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Turners of London and a member of the Society of Ornamental Turners. Stuart is now adding
silver and gold to his work with considerable success. The twisted finials, beads and other forms of decoration being hand cut from solid
silver.
On the 5 July 2007 Stuart was elected to the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Turners by presentation which enabled him to become
a Freeman of the City of London on the 17 March 2008. In 2014 he was awarded the title of ‘Master in Turning by the Worshipful Company
of Turners; he is only the second turner to receive this accolade in present times. Stuart’s work is sought after by international collectors
and museums alike, his pieces can often command thousands of pounds. He was recently commissioned to make six finials for the
Celebration Thrones which are in the Royal Collection.
The Kennet & Avon Woodturners attended in strength and Fifty-five members enjoyed an unforgettable day at St John’s Community Hall,
Upper Studley. John Boyne-Aiken the club chairman thanked his committee and in particular Alan Reed for organising the event with great
efficiency that made it a memorable occasion.”
The Demonstration
(A brief synopsis by Kevin Smith, The Club Webmaster)
Of course I had heard of the famous Stuart Mortimer, and had watched many of his videos on Youtube, but that did not prepare me for
the overwhelming day we had on Saturday 18th February 2023 in our meeting hall in Trowbridge. I, for one, was totally spellbound by what
could be achieved in a very short time with a standard lathe, many chisels and an assortment of tools, (including an angle grinder – YES –
an angle grinder!). Whether it was a large turned bowl with a hollow twist form or a double spiral twist in a tiny finial, the end result was
fantastic. As he sent his creations, made that day, around the audience to be inspected, there we audible gasps and looks of disbelief, closely
followed by other items that had been finished previously.
The photographs only give a brief representation of the fantastic day we had. It was thoroughly enjoyable and will be remembered for years
to come by this inspired member of the club.
Of course I had heard of the famous Stuart Mortimer, and had watched many of his videos on Youtube, but that did not prepare me for
the overwhelming day we had on Saturday 18th February 2023 in our meeting hall in Trowbridge. I, for one, was totally spellbound by what
could be achieved in a very short time with a standard lathe, many chisels and an assortment of tools, (including an angle grinder – YES –
an angle grinder!). Whether it was a large turned bowl with a hollow twist form or a double spiral twist in a tiny finial, the end result was
fantastic. As he sent his creations, made that day, around the audience to be inspected, there we audible gasps and looks of disbelief, closely
followed by other items that had been finished previously.
The photographs only give a brief representation of the fantastic day we had. It was thoroughly enjoyable and will be remembered for years
to come by this inspired member of the club.
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