Jeffrey Hart, Yeoman of the Turners’ Company
My work is rooted in traditional craft, bridging the past and present through a deep connection with natural materials—wood, clay, and fiber. My journey into woodturning grew from a broader exploration of heritage skills, seeking methods that not only create functional objects but also strengthen our relationship with the natural world.
I was drawn to the pole lathe for its simplicity and rhythm, discovering it after first exploring green woodworking through spoon carving. The physicality of foot-powered turning, the sound of a sharp tool meeting fresh timber, and the direct engagement with raw material make it an intuitive and meditative practice. Lately, I’ve been refining my technique, exploring advanced forms such as nesting bowls and locking lidded boxes, while working from my woodland workshop—a place where craft and nature are inseparable.
Alongside my personal practice, I established Nettlecombe Craft School, dedicated to teaching green woodworking and other heritage crafts. As a 2024 Turners Company Bursary recipient, I will deepen my knowledge by training with a master turner and developing new courses at Nettlecombe, ensuring that these time-honored skills continue to inspire and equip future generations of makers.
Currently has a residency/exhibition coming up at East Quay in Watchet (https://www.eastquaywatchet.co.uk/) called : Held in the Grain — Craft as a way to preserve nature’s story.
