John's Profile
Born a fourth generation woodworker in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire in 1953, I soon moved and was brought up in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire. I served my cabinetmaking apprenticeship at the Robert 'mousey' Thompson workshops in Kilburn. I later gained a full technical certificate in cabinet making, a Certificate of Education and an upper second degree in furniture studies from Buckinghamshire Chiltern University at Basford Hall, Nottingham. I worked in the furniture industry at Treske in Thirsk and as a self-employed furniture maker and restorer. Finally, I have lectured in furniture studies at York College since 1986 and became head of the department in 1993 to the present day. My main interests in the furniture world, is making and restoring period furniture, wood surface decoration and the history of furniture.
As a trained pilot I enjoy flying small single engine aircraft, golfing, walking and holidays in France.