Crafty Conversations

Episode 11 — Steve Roche In this episode I remain in Sheffield and talk to stone sculptor Steve Roche about his work creating large-scale pieces for the public realm. Steve explains how he uses physical maquettes and CAD alongside the natural qualities of stone to develop his ideas, and we discuss scale, sustainability, locally sourced materials and the challenges of translating a small model into...

Episode 10 In this episode I arrive in Sheffield - the city of steel - and talk to sculptor and stone carver Lily Marsh about her approach to architectural carving, relief work and portrait sculpture. Lily explains how she moves between the precision required to reproduce historic stonework and the greater creative freedom of her personal work, as well as the specialist processes and practitioners...

Episode 8 In this episode I go back and chat over the phone to architect Hugh Conway Morris about his approach to designing and building using traditional materials and low-impact methods. Working from a converted barn near Gloucester, Hugh explains how timber, earth, and lime can be used to create buildings that are both environmentally considered and deeply rooted in craft , while still feeling...

In this episode, I talk to decorative artist Katie B. Morgan about the craft of painting and surface design. Her work spans fairground art, canal-barge decoration, restoration projects and her own ceramic pieces, all guided by an instinctive sense of balance and rhythm, drawn entirely by hand. I also reflect on Day Seven of my ride, waking beneath cedar trees at an old rectory, tackling the long c...

Episode 7: Hector Cole MBE — The Arrow-Maker In this episode, I talk to blacksmith and historical metals specialist Hector Cole MBE about the ancient craft of making arrowheads. Working from his forge near Malmesbury, Hector combines practical skill with the curiosity of an archaeologist — recreating Saxon and medieval designs using traditional tools, fuels, and techniques. His work reveals how ea...

In this episode, I talk to steel frame builder Gary Woodhouse about the craft of making lightweight, hand-built bicycles. Gary explains how butted steel tubing, simple but ingenious tools, and a highly personal design process come together to create Curtis bikes built for life. I also reflect on Day Six of my ride : leaving the Devon hills behind, flying through Somerset with a tailwind, and arriv...

In this episode, I talk to wheelwright Greg Rowland about the craft of making traditional wooden wheels. Greg explains why different timbers are chosen for different parts of the wheel — elm for hubs, oak for spokes, ash for fellies — and how fire and iron are used to shrink-fit the tyre that locks everything together. We also explore the hidden geometry of a twelve-spoke wheel, and what it means...

In this episode, I talk to green woodworker Sean Hellman about his craft and his deep knowledge of traditional hand tools. Sean shares how he uses and adapts tools such as spoon horses and pole lathes, why ergonomics and body-awareness are as important as technique, and how delicate creations like fan birds can be made from a single billet of wood. I also reflect on Day Four of my ride, cycling th...

In this episode, I talk to furniture maker Carl Austin abouthow his background in boat building informs the way he designs and constructsfurniture. He explains his distinctive approach to steam-bending and laminatingwood, and how these techniques give his pieces their graceful curves andlasting strength. We also look at the details that make his work unique — fromcopper boat nails to finely fitted...

In this episode, I talk to metalsmith Rebecca Walklett about her work with copper — from the traditional techniques of raising and sinking to creating rich surface patinas using a variety of chemicals. She also shares how she uses silhouette dies to press-form copper into geometric cushion shapes for her 'small boxes'. I also reflect briefly on my second day on the road and waking up on my first m...

This first episode looks at how the idea for the journey came about and what it took to plan. From contacting nearly twenty craftspeople to arranging stays at different campsites along the route. I talk about the training I needed to undertake, the challenge of fitting everything onto a bike, and the build‑up to finally reaching Land’s End to begin this huge adventure. See the visual journey on In...