Artistry in Wood reviews

8 May 16'

Mike reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks very much for the woodturning experience last Friday. It was a very pleasant and relaxed day. I was pleasantly surprised by the bowl I managed to make, and Liz was very pleased with it too!"

23 Apr 16'

Tim Camp reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just a note to say many thanks for the wood-turning tuition today. I had a very enjoyable time - and Catherine was pleased with the end result too. Thanks for taking the time to add the coloured finish. You are a great teacher, having high standards but being patient when I kept on holding the gouge at the wrong angle! Please thank Susan for the drinks, biscuits & a very nice lunch. I might take you up sometime on your offer of some advice on what to buy. A workshop is high on the list of requirements for a new house."

21 Mar 16'

Garry Rolfe reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A day that was a good balance between training and light-hearted banter. Well worthwhile if you want to learn a new skill and achieve a finished item by the time you leave. Garry Rolfe"

16 Mar 16'

Tim reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I've been doing a good bit since my course with George and am really enjoying the improvements of technique he suggested. I've done several bowls since we met and they're much better than anything I've produced before, and the work is a great deal easier and more enjoyable."

11 Mar 16'

Andrew Bonney reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you for a great day and also for being so flexible at breakfast !! I very much enjoyed it and was amazed with the result, so much so I’ve been showing off at work this morning !! I thought the course content was spot on and thanks to Susan for a lovely lunch and copious refills of tea ! Will plan to come along and see you during the ‘Somerset Arts Week’ !"

9 Mar 16'

Malcolm reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Apologies for being slow to write to you after our excellent day on Saturday. 5It was both an enjoyable and an instructive day - I learned a lot. You looked after us well in every sense - proper attention to safety, consideration for our comfort and excellent food and watering! If I say that I walked back into the kitchen late on Sunday and did a double take on catching sight of my bowl, you will understand I am still surprised by what I produced under your expert guidance! I would recommend the day to anyone who wanted to try wood turning - they will not be disappointed."

6 Mar 16'

Richard Marshall reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I just wanted to say thanks again for a wonderful day. It was a real treat. Given that I have never turned before, I was amazed at the bowl I produced under George's attentive supervision.I would recommend a course with him without hesitation."

24 Feb 16'

Chris harrison reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hello George I just wanted to thank you for a great day yesterday, I really enjoyed it! Starting the day as a complete novice and ending it with a turned beech bowl ,something to be proud of and a great feeling of achievement. You teach very well, at the right pace to absorb what your learning to do for the first time. Thanks Susan for the hospitality , altogether an experience to be recommended ! Kind Regards Chris Harrison"

22 Feb 16'

Martin Weaver reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you so much for such a fascinating day yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed myself on your wood turning course. It brought back many great memories from when I briefly did turning at school. The love and passion you have for the craft and the material itself was clear and your patient approach was inspirational. I am seriously considering taking it up as a hobby. If anyone needs to be inspired to take up a craft or skill, they need not look any further than you. Thank you once again. I will be in touch soon. With all best wishes. Martin"

19 Feb 16'

Stephen reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Many thanks again for the outstanding wood turning tuition & one of the highlights of the training was definitely the excellent sandwiches prepared by Susan. Very friendly and easy to follow approach to training Wealth of wood turning knowledge readily imparted Good mix of techniques & flexibility to introduce other relevant skill that arise on discussions with the trainee Very useful advice on wood turning in general, pitfalls to avoid and exposure to the unlimited potential for creativity! Possible improvement in skill development: if the objective is to learn & develop skills then it might be better to practice on a disposable piece of wood & repeat exercises until skills is better understood & mastered. e.g. my objective was to learn and hone skills not to produce a bowl. Having said that the unique beech bowl I came home with is stunning & an excellent example of what can be produced in a few hours! I take delivery of my lathe next week & after spending a fortune on it , training & new tools I'd better start some intensive practising. Anyway I thought your tuition was excellent & I'll definitely be in touch for a follow up tuition and an introduction to texturing techniques later this year. All the best Stephen"

10 Feb 16'

Mike and Fiona reviewed: Wood turning courses

"We arrived on a blustery day at George and Susans home and were welcomed with a lovely cup of tea and relaxed and informative chat about what would be involved during the one-day woodturning course. It was an amazing day and we came away with a fantastic bowl each a terrific feel good factor! George explained everything very patiently and thoroughly and guided us through the process making it fun and creative. Thank you to Susan for a lovely lunch and for giving up your day for us. We really appreciated George's expertise and enjoyed looking at his collection of work too. THANK YOU George, Susan and Tufty! Best wishes, Fiona and Mike Smith"

5 Feb 16'

Nick Jefferis reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you for a marvellous relaxing, interesting and productive day. I gaze at a beautiful beech bowl with pride and astonishment of what I (with a fair bit of your help) created. The day was a wonderful change from anything I had done before and only increased my fascination with wood and what it can become. Thanks also for the coffees at regular intervals which kept me going and the lovely lunch. I'm not going to rush out and kit myself out with a workshop yet but it's certainly planted a seed. Best wishes Nic"

3 Feb 16'

Tim Peacock reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I booked this course primarily for my partner’s son, as he received a lathe for Christmas and we all felt he needed a little more help than his school were able to offer. Aside from anything else I wanted to make sure we both knew how to use a lathe safely. Given that the address was in Somerset, I was fairly convinced we would be working in a traditional barn, with flagons of cider and a ploughman’s provided at lunch time, but as it turned out, retired Scaffolding Contractor George and his charming wife Susan live in a neat bungalow in a quiet residential street with a selection of large sheds to the rear, one of which contains a whole host of woodturning equipment. George turns out to be a huge bloke, with fingers like Cumberland sausages, but don’t be deceived into thinking this is just another ex-tradesman looking to fill his twilight years with a casual hobby. He has spent thirteen years honing his craft, and is clearly very dedicated to turning what are some really quite remarkable pieces. As well as being on the Register of Professional Turners and offering this tuition, he hosts the local turning club, regularly appears at craft fairs across the country demonstrating his art, reviews new turning equipment for craft magazines, and has created pieces for public exhibition. He packs a lot into a one day session too, and each part of the process of turning a bowl is explained in rigorous detail. At one stage he spent 20 minutes demonstrating how to achieve some stunning effects on the surface of the bowl, with a whole host of curious revolving tools coming out of the arsenal, as well as various abrasives, waxes and dyes, and even a blow torch. Susan ensured we never far from a good cup of tea, and gave us some first rate homemade soup with warm rolls for lunch. By late afternoon we had completed our projects, and I have to say I was quite surprised at the quality of the work we both turned under his supervision. I was a jobbing carpenter for over 20 years, so I expected to turn out something fairly respectable, as I’m no stranger to wood and chisels, but I didn’t expect to be quite as pleased with the result as I am. He’s a very likeable chap too, and goes to great lengths to ensure his pupils get as much out of the day as possible. If you are looking for an opportunity to try woodturning, then this course is a rare opportunity to learn from an extremely well informed bloke who is as fiercely passionate as any creative artist when it comes to his craft."

27 Jan 16'

Tim Cowen reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had two days tuition with George Foweraker, wanting to improve my techniques after about 10 years of largely self-taught turning. The course didn't start too well for me as a left hander, who had always turned left handed. George told me that I had to change to using all tools right handed. I nearly walked out! However, I decided to give it a try and the results, after a slow start, more than justified the change. The speed and ease of turning and the finish on the bowls I made under George's careful guidance were a huge improvement on what I had been able to do previously. I've now had a chance to try his approaches out in my own workshop and have confirmed their value. What with George's advice and the wonderful soup made by his wife, Susan it was a great and very worthwhile two days."

14 Jan 16'

Mike Nichols reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you George and Sue for your very kind welcome and hospitality for my one day turning course. The whole day was extremely interesting and informative and George, you teach with a high degree of knowledge and humour and I came away at the end of the day with an even keener interest in woodturning than I had before. I had no idea the there was such scope to what could be done on a lathe. To all those reading this testimonial, I would urge you to spend a day with George. You will not regret it."

9 Jan 16'

Doug Human reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Turned up with great trepidation, put fully at ease and was led gently into a great day. As an MS sufferer, my hands shake quite considerably, and at one time I felt that I would not be able to continue the days course, but, George, very adaptable showed me various methods to overcome this difficulty, at the end of the day, a brilliant result with my bowel that I had made to prove it. It was not just a woodturning course, it was also a day of "understanding wood" Georges lovely wife, was a great hostess, tea/coffee and a nice lunch. thank you for a wonderful experience Doug Human"

2 Dec 15'

Pete reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just wanted to drop you a note to say a " Big Thank You " for a very enjoyable day. It was my first attempt at wood turning and I really enjoyed the whole experience. You were very informative, patient and an excellent host, which made for a memorable day. I also came away with a very nice ash bowl which I was proud to show off to my family. Thanks for a great day George, hopefully I will be back for more in the New Year. Keep up the amazing work you do. With kind regards, Peter Thomas. PS : thanks also to Sue, for all the sarnies, biscuits and cups of tea !!!!"

12 Nov 15'

Neville reviewed: Wood turning courses

"George, Many thanks for an educational and interesting day in your workshop. As a complete novice I cannot emphasize enough the importance to any beginners of going to a professional turner such as yourself to get tuition before starting out. I am looking forward to practicing at home the techniques that you demonstrated so clearly and with such great patience. Being quickly " hands on " was a great help as well as a confidence boost. Once again many thanks, Neville. P.S. My beautiful bowl has been much admired."

9 Nov 15'

Paul bartlett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What a great two days I had with you and Mark Sanger completing the box turning course. I was slightly nervous about it at first due to my inexperience but you and my fellow (more experienced) pupils soon helped me to dispel that. Everyone was great company and put me totally at ease. The whole experience was informative and uplifting and after coming away with a few boxes made me want to continue with woodturning as a hobby. I still haven’t bought a lathe but I know this will come in time maybe after completing a few more days tuition with you in order to feel fully confident before I get really stuck in at home. Again, many thanks to you, Mark and the other guys (who I hope to see again) for a great couple of days. Please also pass my thanks to Sue for her catering and again just for being great company. I hope to see you soon! Regards, Paul Bartlett"

17 Oct 15'

Paul reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Many thanks for your help and encouragement over the last couple of days, I really enjoyed the course. All the best, Paul."

17 Oct 15'

John Hamilton-Donovan reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you George and Mark for 2days of tuition on box turning, so much time and patience in showing what and how to use the tools in a proper and safe way. I learnt a lot, and the notes will help me at home. Thanks to Sue for all the refreshment . Look forward to the next course. Many thanks John Hamilton-Donovan"

18 Sep 15'

Keith Hanson reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George, Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed my class with you yesterday. I came expecting to learn a little about woodturning, which I did, but I hadn't expected such a professional teaching session. I really appreciated you patience, your care re Health & Safety, the good lunch (please thank Sue for me ), the cups of coffee and, above all, the beech bowl you helped me to make. Thanks again, Keith Hanson"

15 Sep 15'

Andrew Scott reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I have just got home and have given Liz a full and detailed description of my 2 days with you,which can be described as 'fun','interesting' and more importantly an opportunity for an old dog(me!) to apply myself to something completely new.This turned out to be 2 days where I was able to forget that there is an outside world and spend time with you and Susan getting immersed in wood in all its shapes forms and potentials! The smells of the wood and your workshop were great and I really appreciate the care and attention you paid to me in explaining and showing and guiding my hand. Of course the 3 Bowls I brought home have been immediately put in pride of place as you come through our front door! And I have to say that I have slightly exaggerated how much time I spent on on them..... but they do look great and I am ,I think rightly proud of them. Thank you both for your excellent hospitality and some of the stories of your various 'rich' experiences,which I truly believe should be put into a book! All in all a big thank you and I look forward to the next stage. Best wishes Andrew"

26 Jul 15'

Paul Bartlett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George & Sue I have wanted to try my hand at woodturning for years now and I have frequently considered buying a lathe and tools online and getting cracking. Luckily I resisted the temptation to go it alone and after seeing you on the TV I made the decision to book a days course with you. What a smart move that was! My day with you last Friday was extremely informative and despite the rotten weather (or fantastic weather if you are a gardener!) I had a truly wonderful day. I would like to thank you George for your patience all day especially when I repeated certain mistakes. Your knowledge is second to none and apart from ending the day with a beautiful bowl (which my wife had to tear out of my hands before we visited our local that evening as I wanted to take it with me!) I also left your house with a lot more of an idea of what to do than I arrived with. Having said that I realise this new knowledge is only the tip of a very large iceberg and I am keen to learn more. I will be booking further days with you again soon. I would also like to thank you for your kind offer to help in the future if I get stuck with sourcing tools or materials or when I need further information, that really makes a difference. Thank you Sue for providing me with food and water throughout the day, it was a real pleasure to meet you and chat with both you and George when we were taking our breaks. You have kick started a whole new interest for me now I have retired and I am looking forward to taking it further. Again, many thanks to you both for making it a great day for me and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes, Paul Bartlett"

17 Jul 15'

Paul reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I have had training with George 3 times so far, I say so far as I intend to return. Passing on information, educating, isn’t always easy but George seems to do it with great ease. I’ve enjoyed my time with George he is helpful and attentive, he will stand back but move in when required, he’s happy for you to learn at your own pace. I would recommend George, and I have done. I’ve learnt loads. Paul D, Wiltshire."