Emerging Turners Programme

Support the future of woodturning!

The Emerging Turners Programme was initially set up by the Register of Professional Turners to offer training and development opportunities to the next generation of professional Woodturners.

On the 17th August last year, the Register of Professional Turners made public a new and exciting event known simply as the “Emerging Turners Workshop”. This was a 3 day event, based at the Max Carey Woodturning Trust in Portishead, aimed at up and coming woodturners with a professional ambition. The event was flooded with applicants and 18 participants with an age range of 18-35 and UK based had their places confirmed. Jay Heryet was the mastermind behind the event and put a lot of work into guaranteeing its delivery.

Plans are now in place with tutors on board, students selected and venues confirmed, with the 3 days scheduled for 11th-13th August. However there is one small obstacle to overcome. That joyous issue of funding.

Last year the Worshipful Company of Turners provided the funding to cover the costs of the course, which was a great blessing but unfortunately, is not available this year.

To help out with funding, this year a fundraiser is being rapidly organised. Pioneered by Jack Astbury (a participant from last year's event) with the help of Dan Smith RPT, Katie Armstrong RPT (a participant from last year) and Nathan Savory (another participant from last year) the fundraiser is aiming to cover all the costs of the event and hopefully even more.

As it currently stands 13 of the Emerging Turners have pledged to make and donate a piece of work to be sold, with 100% of the proceeds going towards the event. Alongside some respected members of the RPT. (Available to purchase as a fundraising event alongside this page https://www.numonday.com/shop/the-emerging-turners-programme/)

As an emerging turner, it is great to be a part of a group/network/community that are eager to make sure that an event we benefited from so much, continues to happen. But to have the support of well established and highly talented turners also cheering us on is quite simply fantastic.

If you'd like to purchase a hand turned piece or simply donate to help this years event go ahead. It would be greatly recieved and appreciated by members of the group. Professional training like this is priceless and such an importance to keep this craft established and in the hands of the younger generation. Keeping it alive and moving forwards.

Thankyou for reading,

Emerging Turners.