Paul Procter

Paul trained as an engineer and spent over 20 years in the Earthmoving Equipment Manufacturing industry. His interest in design, combined with a lifelong fascination for wood led him to take up woodturning as a full time occupation in 1989.

Like many woodturners Paul is self-taught, obtaining information on the basic techniques from the many books and articles written on the subject, developing his own style along the way.

His workshop is situated in the small village of Stoke Rochford, just south of Grantham in Lincolnshire. The work he produces here is sold through galleries, selected High Street shops and by private commissions.

The addition of furniture repair and restoration stemmed from his interest in antiques and requests from customers to not only make the replacement parts but to fit them as well.

His inspiration comes from the wood itself, which is carefully selected for its natural colour, texture and grain patterns. The process of turning or sculpting the wood enables these features to be enhanced and preserved to give each piece a unique identity.

More than 20 different species of native timber are used in the work, but burr oak, elm and yew are the favorites, not forgetting beech for the construction work.

His bowls tend to be artistic in nature, preferring simple well proportioned shapes which allow the  maximum amount of wood to be viewed.

Garden finials evolved by working with landscape architects, and his designs have been featured in both BBC and ITV garden design programmes, and in magazines and newspapers.

Traditional and contemporary lamps, handcrafted mainly from English and European timbers are available in many different designs. Paul is well known for his intriguing oak and yew wood character lamps.

Ever popular is his range of wooden fruit which includes apples and pears made from highly figured burr woods with the natural surface breaking the turned forms, giving the effect of over ripeness and decay.

Paul enjoys the wide variety of work he undertakes as commission for business and private customers, including bespoke joinery and furniture parts, architectural turnery and prototype manufacture.
His clients benefit from his extensive experience in both engineering and woodworking.

By remaining in contact with the raw material and using a flexible design approach, a concept is turned into a finished article. Quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, good customer service and fair pricing are the fundamentals of the business.