John Berkeley
Exhibitor
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John
Berkeley began turning about fifteen years ago, having previously been
involved with the restoration of metal antiques. From the first time he was
persuaded by an Antiques dealer friend to make bone cribbage pegs, his
interest in things softer than brass began to grow. He then "graduated" to
ear rings in bone, and then wood, dolls house bits, including goblets, chess
pieces, rattles and many other things, to his current specialty of puzzles
and boxes. These are mostly made with hand chased screw threads.
Although John rarely uses oak, it is easy to see how "large trees from little acorns grow." He learned from magazines, books and watching demonstrators at shows. All his senses were drawn to the writings, and demos of a certain Mr. W Jones, who he regards as his mentor, and now fortunately as his friend.
John makes screw lidded boxes and only a few puzzles these days, though he used to make about 30 different puzzles. Another of his specialties is spinning tops, of which there are a considerable number of varieties.
He also really enjoys teaching and demonstrating and tries to pass on to others some of the enthusiasm he has for what he does, as well as all the tips he can to help others up the rungs of their own ladder. ( He never minds picking up a few tips himself either).
John Berkeley has had numerous articles published on miniature goblets, thread chasing and on a number of puzzles. He also undertakes commissions and also chess repairs and makes various replacement parts for the antiques trade.
He lives in Lutterworth in Leicestershire and his studio boasts two Vicmarc VL100 lathes and he gives private tuition, usually on a one to one basis, on all aspects of turning, though not including anything very large.
His book, "All Screwed Up" can be purchased from his web site, together with his first three DVD’s, “Screwples 1, 2 &3. Number 4 will be available in 2008.
Website:
Email:
Telephone:
01455 557 398 or 07947 492 462