This evening we were visited by Jason Heap (visit his website here) who is a young island based designer and maker of high quality & bespoke sculptural furniture.

Jason started his talk telling us about his university course and how, because it was the first of its type to be run, he was able to spend more time than would be normal refining his ideas on furniture design. He then went on to describe the process by which he evolved the design and manufacture of his signature piece of a laminated coffee table base. This design, which is based on the infinity mathematical symbol, evolved through joined number 8 shaped sections, through to the current design which is made from a continuous band of laminated ply. As well as describing the design process of his table Jason also described how he evolved the manufacturing process which now allows each table base to constructed within about 40 hours of effort.

Jason also described how he is now branching out as a show organiser. Recently the organiser of one of the main show platforms for UK craftsmen wanted to retire and hence was looking for someone to take on this show. Jason stepped in and now as well being a craftsman in his own right is now helping other craftsmen displa,  market and sell the output from their craft.

Show and tell, John's been at it again!! Buying more tools that is and trying different techniques. His latest "passion" appears to be deep hollowing and hence not only does he now have several deep hollowing tools but brought along various of his of his first attempts of this dangerous branch of woodturning. We were pleased to see Tony's first attempt at offset turning and are looking forward to his entry in the May competition. Lastly Derek has started work on items he hopes will feature in the Quay Arts exhibition later this year. He brought a long the design notes of the bowl currently being worked on together with what will form the base of the intended bowl.