JOHN BERKELEY

I began turning about twelve years ago, having previously been involved with the restoration of metal antiques-dirty job!

From the first time my arm was twisted to make bone cribbage pegs, my interest in things softer than brass began to grow.

I "graduated" to ear rings in bone, and then wood, dolls house bits, including goblets, chess pieces, rattles and many other things, to my current speciality of puzzles and boxes, mostly with hand chased screw threads.

Though I rarely use oak, it is easy to see how "large trees from little acorns grow." I learned from magazines, books and watching demonstrators at shows. All my senses drew me to the writings, and demos of a certain Mr. W Jones, who I regard as my mentor, and now fortunately as my friend. I unashamedly try to emulate his skills and do so with varying degrees of success. We all owe him such a lot for his help over the years.

I have developed and used to make about 30 different puzzles and these can be seen at Donaygames.com website.

Another speciality is spinning tops, of which there is considerable variety. I make a range of small boxes, with screwed lids, for pills or whatever and some of these can be seen at David Woodward's Gallery "From The Wood" at Hay on Wye.

I really enjoy demonstrating and try to pass on to others some of the enthusiasm I have for what I do, as well as all the tips I can to help others up the rungs of their ladder. (I don't mind picking up a few tips myself either).

I have had numerous articles published so far on miniature goblets, thread chasing and on a number of puzzles. Others are to follow and my book, "All Screwed Up" can be purchased from my web site.

My studio boasts two Vicmarc VL100 lathes and I give private tuition, usually on a one to one basis, on all aspects of turning, though not including anything very large.

I undertake commissions and I undertake chess repairs and make various replacement parts for the antiques trade.

I live in Lutterworth in Leicestershire and can be contacted by telephone on 01455 557398 and my e-mail address is john@johnberkeley.co.uk