About | Andy James Wood Turn

Get to Know Andy

Andy is a professional woodturner with a deep commitment to craftsmanship and design. Working from his dedicated workshop, he turns carefully selected timber into miniature segmented hollow forms that celebrate the natural grain, colour and movement of the wood.

With each project, Andy blends traditional turning techniques and an artist’s eye, shaping raw timber on the lathe into pieces that are both functional and sculptural. His work reflects years of experience, a respect for material, and a passion for creating objects that are as beautiful as they are enduring.

Explore More

Andy is always in demand from woodturning clubs to demonstrate his segmented work, with bookings secured well into 2027.

The woodturning world does not stand still, and neither does Andy.

Alongside demonstrations, Andy delivers structured courses designed to support woodturners at different stages of their journey, from those new to segmented work to experienced turners looking to refine complex techniques.

More information on these courses coming soon!

Woodturning and Mental Wellbeing

Andy actively encourages people to discover the mental health benefits of woodturning.

Woodturning can be:

Calming and therapeutic
A boost to self-esteem and confidence
Mentally engaging and absorbing
A way to connect with like-minded people

For many, woodturning is more than a hobby it's a pathway to improved mental wellbeing.

Follow our journey on Instagram

Discovering Woodturning

Andy has worked with wood for over 40 years, beginning his career as a joiner straight from leaving school. This foundation in traditional craftsmanship laid the groundwork for everything that followed.

In 1999, Andy discovered woodturning and quickly became deeply engaged in the craft. He was fortunate to receive regular tuition from Chris Stott, an internationally renowned professional woodturner. Through dedicated practice and expert guidance, Andy steadily developed into a confident and skilled woodturner.

2004 - First Major Recognition

Andy exhibited his work for the first time at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate. His work was very well received, earning him the Highly Commended Newcomer award. The following year, his pieces were exhibited in galleries throughout the UK.

At this point, Andy made the decision to leave joinery behind and pursue woodturning full time.

2005 - Professional Recognition

2006 - A new life in France

Encouraged by his mentor, Andy applied to join the Register of Professional Turners. Following an assessment in his workshop, he was accepted onto the Register in 2005. During this period, Andy produced both functional and artistic pieces, enjoying the challenge of designing new work and exhibiting regularly at craft fairs and galleries across the UK.

In 2006, Andy relocated to France, where he combined renovating a property with building a successful joinery and woodturning business, all while learning a new language. His work continued to gain recognition, with pieces exhibited and sold at fairs and collected by customers as far afield as Japan, Australia, and the United States.

It was during his time in France that Andy began experimenting with segmented woodturning. Starting with large hollow forms, his work gradually became more intricate and refined over the years. Today, he is best known for his miniature segmented hollow forms, which showcase exceptional precision and complexity.

2016 – Return to the UK

Andy returned permanently to the UK in 2016 due to family health issues. With no workshop initially available and his tools in storage, he worked as a contract joiner, often away from home. While necessary at the time, this was not the life he wanted long term.

2020 – Rebuilding and Refocusing

In 2020, Andy made the decision to re-establish his joinery business, a bold move that coincided with the COVID pandemic.

He built a new workshop, brought his tools and lathe out of storage, and gradually returned to woodturning. The risk paid off, and the business continues to be successful today.

Back at the lathe, Andy returned to designing and making miniature segmented pieces. Each piece is complex, considered, and entirely unique.

2022 – AWGB Membership

Andy became a member of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB), an international non-profit organisation and registered charity dedicated to the advancement and promotion of woodturning as both an art and a craft.

2023 - Professional Recognition

Passionate about sharing his knowledge, Andy resumed demonstrating at woodturning clubs and events across the UK. His demonstrations are always well received. Although segmented woodturning is a complex technique, audiences enjoy watching the process unfold, from an initial design on graph paper, through the assembly of numerous small components, to the final turning and finishing stages.

Depending on the size and complexity of the piece, preparation alone can take two to three days, making the finished results especially impressive and engaging for audiences.

Alongside demonstrations, Andy teaches from his workshop, offering tuition across all aspects of woodturning to people of all ages and abilities. For those seeking a greater challenge, he also runs specialist segmented woodturning courses.

Major Milestones

In 2025, Andy was invited to demonstrate his work at Wizardry in Wood at Plaisterers’ Hall in London, an acclaimed quadrennial event celebrating woodturning and wood art. The event features master exhibitions, live demonstrations, competitions, and a marketplace showcasing work from leading makers.

Preparing for four demonstrations over four days required extensive planning and preparation. Andy spent many hours designing and creating multiple high-quality, completely unique pieces, while continuing with joinery work alongside this. During the same period, he also undertook the move to a new home and workshop.

Another significant milestone in 2025 was the launch of Andy’s website, establishing a 24/7 online presence and increasing the visibility of his work worldwide.

Andy has developed courses for segmented work, for those new to segmented work wanting to “push the boundaries”, and for more advanced woodturners which will be tailored to the needs of the individual. As this is a complex technique, it is not suitable for someone who has had no experience of woodturning.

He will continue to develop his skills and promote woodturning making it accessible to all by continuing to demonstrate at woodturning clubs, associations and events.

Providing courses that include all aspects of woodturning, tool choice, management and sharpening skills. Promoting safety and best practice.

Get in touch for any bespoke enquiries

Andy James Woodturning

Get to Know Andy

Woodturning and Mental Wellbeing

Discovering Woodturning