Chris Helliwell
Open to the public
No
Provides courses or training
Yes
Available for craft fairs
Not specified
Contact
Roundhay Eppleby Road
Forcett Richmond
England
DL11 7RY
Forcett Richmond
England
DL11 7RY
Chris Helliwell
t: 01325 718 836
About
I am fascinated by how things used to be made and am convinced that we need to return to a less energy hungry way of life, so twenty years ago I built my first pole lathe from instructions I read in a book. I did not believe it would work but now after a lot of practice I make my living from it, making traditional turned pieces and teaching my craft to others.
The pole lathe has a history going back over two thousand years and was originally designed to make bowls and cups for the people of northern Europe. The pieces I make would have been instantly recognised by Saxons and Vikings and of course can still be used today. Wood is a sustainable, clean, light, well-insulated and relatively unbreakable alternative to pottery.