Robin Wood MBE

Trustee and former Chair of the Heritage Crafts Association, professional polelathe bowl turner and green woodworker

Robin Wood MBE is an internationally respected wood worker specialising in the use of local timbers and traditional techniques, but with a distinctive modern twist.

Using a foot-powered pole lathe, Robin turns stylish, but functional bowls and plates. His extensive research into the history of the craft led to publication of the definitive book on the history of the wooden bowl – The Wooden Bowl. The last person to work in this way retired in 1958, and Robin taught himself the necessary techniques as well as making most of the tools for his work.

Inspired by Scandinavian techniques, Robin teaches spoon carving with knives and axes, and is co-organsier of Spoonfest – a celebration of wooden spoon carving. Robin also makes individually hand-crafted benches, stiles, bridges and other countryside furniture.