Joey Richardson – Master’s Letter 2026/7
It is a tremendous honour to have been elected Master of the Worshipful Company of Turners. I am deeply grateful to the Court for placing its trust in me, and to our Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Beadle, and Deputy Master, Andy Ewens, for their guidance, friendship, and support.
I feel very privileged to become only the third female Master, the first Registered Professional Turner, and the first person from Lincolnshire to hold this office in 422 years. My husband, Andrew, is delighted to support me as Consort and is proud to continue a family connection with the City as his Great-Uncle, Sir Bracewell Smith, served as Lord Mayor of London in 1946–47.
Turning
My own journey into woodturning began in my twenties following a serious car accident. During my recovery, I discovered woodturning, initially as a form of therapy, but it soon became a passion, a career, and a way of connecting with others through the beauty and possibilities of wood.
Company
My connection with the Company began in 2003 with an unsuccessful application for a Turners’ bursary. Two years later, Liveryman Alan Mitchell encouraged me to apply again. That award changed the course of my career, opening doors I had never imagined. My sincere thanks also go to Penrose and Bill Halson for introducing me to the Company and for their continued friendship and support.
Looking back, I realise my own journey has been shaped by people who believed in me and opened doors when I needed them most. During my year as Master, I hope to honour that same spirit by helping others, creating opportunities, and taking the time to care.
A Shared Vision
Everything I hope to achieve builds upon the excellent work of the Masters who came before me. Continuity matters, which is why Upper Warden Bill Morris, Renter Warden Richard Lucas and I have committed to working together through a flexible three-year plan, strengthening our Company as the fellowship and community it has always been while remaining open, welcoming, and relevant for future generations.
Woodturning has taught me that the strongest pieces are shaped with patience, purpose, and care. I believe the same is true of our Company. So, we have shaped our vision around one simple word:
L.A.T.H.E.
Legacy • Action • Tradition • Heritage • Education
Legacy
What we choose to leave behind.
Legacy is not simply what we inherit; it is what we choose to leave behind. By protecting the values, traditions and craftsmanship entrusted to us, while investing in education, charity, and the future of our craft, we ensure the Turners’ Company remains strong, relevant, and inspiring for generations to come.
Action
Turning vision into reality.
Action is where vision becomes reality. Our members strengthen the craft of turning through their generosity, skills, charitable work, education, service to the City, and support for one another. During my year as Master, I hope we will turn ambition into action, create new opportunities, and ensure our Company remains vibrant, relevant, and ready to meet the future with confidence.
Tradition
Knowing who we are.
Tradition is not about standing still; it is about understanding who we are, cherishing our place within the City and carrying forward the values and responsibilities we have inherited with dignity, purpose, and care.
Heritage
Honouring the craft.
Heritage lives in the craft itself, in the hand, the tool, the wood, and in the artistry, skill and knowledge passed from one generation to the next. As custodians of this remarkable inheritance, we preserve it by championing the craft through projects such as our support of the AWGB Festival of Wood and the creation of the Maundy Wands for the Chapels Royal, ensuring our heritage continues to inspire future generations.
Education
Inspiring the next generation.
Education is the bridge to tomorrow. This year we are establishing a SEND woodturning programme in schools and supporting the Creative Dimension Trust, two of several projects we hope will encourage more people to discover the joy of making, I know that when something takes shape in someone’s hands, it can change a life, because it changed mine.
At the Heart of L.A.T.H.E.
Running through every part of L.A.T.H.E. is one constant: Charity. It is the thread that binds together our Legacy, inspires our Action, gives meaning to our Tradition, protects our Heritage, and invests in Education.
My own journey has been shaped by encouragement, opportunity and people who took the time to care. Throughout my career, I have passed that on through teaching, demonstrating and mentoring. As Master, I hope to create even more opportunities for others.
If, together, we can open more doors, encourage more hands to discover the craft, and build on the wonderful foundations we have inherited, then I will consider my year as Master a year well spent.
With my warmest thanks and best wishes,
Joey Richardson
Master 2026–27