The 1987 hurricane was my introduction to working with large section timbers. Already working as a carpenter, I was astonished by the waste involved in burning the windblown oak trees. I then discovered that whilst this  timber may not have been planking quality, it was nonetheless useful, once hewn and sawn, as framing timber for buildings and ships, with the smaller diameters being used in charcoal production. This resource had been exploited in the past, with Sussex having traditionally been famous for its oak timbers, and wrought iron cannons and shot.
So whilst still working as a carpenter, I attended every timber conservation course available in the late 1980šs and early 1990šs, as well as night school in welding and blacksmithing. My work was highly commended by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters in 1991.
 
However frustrated by the lack of conservation knowledge amongst architects, surveyors, and engineers, I enrolled on the Diploma in Building Surveying at the College of Estate Management, Reading. I passed, with merit, this 4 year correspondence course in 1995. |
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This gave me grounding in building construction, planning and law, so broadening my understanding of the life of a building project. I continue to work as a carpenter, as well as running short courses on timber framing at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.
My carpentry and ironwork centres on four main areas;
- The design and fabrication of bespoke oak structures.
- The design and fabrication of bespoke oak joinery.
- The diagnosis and repair of decay and/or movement in timber frames from 1300 to 1900, using green and dry oak, and iron bolts and straps as appropriate.
- The surveying, dismantling, and re-erection of historic frames from 1500 to 1950.
I use mainly modern tools to convert and transport the timbers, and then mainly traditional hand tools to move, mark, cut and erect the timbers. This I find an effective blend of new and old methods, which results in a modern expression of the craft.
I hope my work helps to preserve the existing body of timber frame buildings and to spread the knowledge of the skill, craftsmanship, and ingenuity of the carpenters that built them.
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