Nicholas Rowe MSDC

Based at his studio Nicholas continues to develop his artistic woodturning practice, actively sourcing green (wet), seasoned and reclaimed wood locally. To expand the variety of shapes and sizes of his work, he has progressed his tool skills and invested in training and new equipment. In 2022 he felt capable enough to began giving demonstrations to local woodturning clubs, sharing the knowledge and experiences he has gained, as well as meeting more turners. He continues to refine his surface finishes that have already been highly acknowledged.

With enhanced abilities he has begun to generate work with increased aesthetic impact, while retaining the material sensitive philosophy he first conceived during his BA (Hons) 3D Design and Craft Degree. Uninterested in copying some of the contemporary trends he follows his own path. Drawing inspiration from the bark, grain, imperfections and distinctive features, he decides initially what form enables the best appreciation of the natural material’s visual and tactile qualities. Sometimes he is pleasantly surprised by externally invisible voids, cracks, Spalting lines or ripples in the grain that reveal themselves during turning, often inducing him to alter the final form respectfully.

Nicholas is continually developing the variety of skills required to overcome challenges posed by unique features that others might shy away from. Retaining the central growth rings can be highly risky as they often spilt when the wet wood is gradually air-dried; they document the life history of the tree. Additionally knots require the considered application of multiple tools to cut the torn fibres cleanly, creating interestingly distorted grain patterns.

Taking great care he sometimes purchases less evocatively charged woods from commercial sources but finds it very fulfilling working with local beautiful woods obtained first hand. He sometimes turns reclaimed or gifted exotic woods such as Jarrah fence posts and Milo table legs, which bring their own specific challenges not found in his usual wood stocks.

Finished pieces in seasoned wood can be created within days, however when turning green (wet) wood Nicholas can choose where and what features to include. He leaves the initial rough shape thicker to compensate for the natural changes over the 8 to 18 months air-drying period. To minimise cracking and failures he carefully controls this process and only when satisfied the moisture content is low enough he re-turns and finishes the piece.

Nicholas hopes to imbue additional longevity to a piece by permanently marking the name of the wood and its growing place underneath. Turning a client’s treasured wood brings additional responsibilities as the piece resonates stronger and is valued greater.

Professional Memberships

Member (MSDC) Society Designer Craftsman

Member of the Colchester Art Society (CAS)

Member of the Suffolk Craft Society (SCS)

Member of the Heritage Crafts [Association]

Collective Member at The Handmade Shop & Gallery

Member of Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB)

Member of two Essex & Suffolk Woodturners Clubs affiliated/associated to the AWGB

Artist Tenant (Studio Holder) at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Education

BA (Hons) Art and Design 3D Design & Craft Degree

(Colchester School of Art & Design/University of Essex)

Awards & Accolades

Interviewed (Meet the Maker) in the September/October 2025 issue of the Suffolk Craft Society's Newsletter by Ruth Holt, then Editor.

Woodturning Magazine introduced me to their worldwide readership in a 6 page feature in September 2023 (no.387) issue by guest editor Andy Coates.

Colchester Art Society Christmas Online Exhibition 2020 - My Huge Yew Tree was chosen for the Poster.

Colchester Art Society Open Summer Exhibition 2018 - Third Prize

Graduate Award Scholarship 2015 from Colchester School of Art & Design/Cuckoo Farm Studios

Commissions

Pieces created from treasured trees or designed with a specified function and/or a particular wood.

Recent undertakings can be seen in my gallery of images above, the gallery on my Cuckoo Farm Studios Artist's profile and occasionally on my social media Bluesky account @Artist-Woodturner.

Demonstrations

I demonstrate throughout the year to woodturning clubs with in a 50 ish* mile radius of Colchester, Essex. *This is due to logistical reasons.

Please enquire to book me for an evening, morning/afternoon or all day demonstration. More information can be read on my MailChimp newsletters.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS in 2026 -

Keep an eye here as they appear... (updated 26/01/26)

Intent to submit...

CAS at 80 - Beecroft Exhibition - Group

at Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6EX.

Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 5pm - Saturday 7 March to Sunday 17 May 2026.

I will be submitting one of my signature pieces to the second of the 80th anniversary exhibitions.

Unfortunately I missed the deadline for the Colchester Art Society at 80 exhibition at Firstsite due to having too much going on in late 2025. The show is still open until 12th April 2026 if you wish to visit.

Further details to be released nearer the time...

CFS Studio Holders Exhibition - Group

Benham Gallery at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Boxted Road, Colchester, CO4 5HH.

11am - 5pm at weekends - Saturday 14 to Sunday 29 March 2026.

Most of the 32 Studio Holders will be exhibiting one or two signature pieces in this all inclusive show. Ranging from painting, printing, textiles, wood, mixed media, glass, ceramics and more...

More details to be confirmed...

Selected to partake...

Suffolk in the City (London Craft Week) - Suffolk Craft Society - Group

at Pickett London, Albany 10-12 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair, London W1S 3EY.

11am - 6pm daily - Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May 2026.

I am excited to be selected to participate in the SCS Suffolk in the City as part of the prestigious London Craft Week. Branching into London has been an aspiration of mine for some time and taking part in this dedicated Craft event in the city will be one of my 2026 highlights.

Further details to be released nearer the time...

Intent to apply soon...

Suffolk Craft Society at Snape Maltings - Group

at Snape Maltings, Snape, Suffolk, IP17 1SP.

Monday 30 March to Sunday 26 April.

Visit their website for opening times...

The Suffolk Craft Society are thrilled to be working in partnership with Snape Maltings to present exhibition(s) situated in Gallery 21 and The Dovecot. These coincide with Snape Maltings busiest events over Easter and 'Place' weekends. More information to the released in due course but excitingly both partners are working out the details to manifest two separate exhibitions, each of approximately two weeks.

For more Suffolk Craft Society exhibition details please visit their Snape Malting Exhibition page.

Further details to be released nearer the time...

Order and Chaos (Conversations 3) - Group

Benham Gallery at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Boxted Road, Colchester, CO4 5HH.

11am - 5pm at weekends - Saturday 18 July to Sunday 2 August 2026.

I will be co-curating this exhibition, featuring around four pairs of CFS Members, each pair will create new pieces having dived into conversation with their partner, practice, materials and other inspirations can open up conversations, on the theme of Order and Chaos. Watch this space...

More details to be confirmed...

Intent to apply...

Suffolk Craft Society at Ickworth House - the annual event returns in partnership with the National Trust - Group

at Ickworth House, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE.

August to September 2026. Dates to be announced...

“We are delighted to present our exhibition at the iconic Ickworth House in partnership with The National Trust. This stunning setting, rich in history and grandeur, provides the perfect backdrop for showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of our makers.

Once again, our exhibition coincides with Heritage Week, a celebration of tradition, culture, and artisanal excellence. Through this showcase, we highlight the creation of future heirlooms —contemporary pieces crafted with time-honored techniques, designed to be cherished for generations to come.

Join us for this inspiring event and immerse yourself in the artistry, skill, and heritage that define our work.”

Further details to be released nearer the time...

Open Studios - the annual event returns - Group

at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Boxted Road, Colchester, CO4 5HH.

11am - 5pm Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September 2026.

The annual event will see around 32 Studio Holders (some sharing studios) open their doors to the public, an exhibition of CFS Associate Members work in the Benham Gallery, Print Workshop, grounds, refreshments and activities. This year I will be setting up my display in the Barn Foyer and intend to open my studio to the public after a several years gap.

Coinciding again with the Heritage Open Days, further events, exhibitions, talks, demonstrations and workshops TBA.

Further details to be released nearer the time...

Autumn Exhibition 2026 - Group

at The Naze Tower, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8LE

September to November 2026. Open daily. Dates to be confirmed...

Further details to be released nearer the time...

Autumn Exhibition 2026 - Geedon Gallery - Group

at The Geedon Gallery, Jaggers, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7DN.

Open for 2 weeks in October and then by appointment until December.

Further details to be released nearer the time...

01206 729 334 / 07901 918 046

www.geedongallery.co.uk

Intent to apply...

Suffolk Craft Society at The Guildhall - my second time showing/participating - Group

at Guildhall Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1PR.

November 2026. Dates to be announced...

“This November, we are thrilled to return to The Guildhall, Britain’s oldest civic building, nestled in the heart of historic Bury St Edmunds. This remarkable venue, steeped in centuries of heritage, provides a captivating setting for our Makers to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship.

As our third exhibition venue of the year, The Guildhall offers a striking contrast — where history meets innovation, and tradition intertwines with contemporary artistry. The carefully curated display will celebrate the skill, creativity, and originality of our Makers, bridging the past and present through exquisite handcrafted pieces.

Join us for this inspiring exhibition and experience the beauty of heritage craftsmanship reimagined for the modern world.”

Further details to be released nearer the time...

Application pending...

Art & Crafts Fair 2026 - Christmas Event

at Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP30 9HZ.

November to December 2026. Open Saturdays & Sundays 10am - 4pm. Dates to be confirmed...

I am excited to announce that I have applied for 2 weekends in 2026, hopefully I will get accepted.

I will update here once I have received confirmation around April...

Provisional participation...

CFS Christmas Market - the annual event returns - Group

Benham Gallery at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Boxted Road, Colchester, CO4 5HH.

Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 November 2026. Times to be announced...

The annual Pre-Christmas Market/Fair returns for a third year with more artworks by CFS Studio Holders, Associates and Print Workshop members ranging from ceramics, glass, jewellery, sculpture, textiles and wood. Also framed and unframed drawings, prints and paintings, cards, mugs and playful works.

Whether intended as a gift for yourself or someone special, showing your appreciation and support by purchasing directly from Artists and Craftspeople is the best gift you could give them at the festive time of year.

Further details to be released nearer the time...

Intent to submit...

Designer Craft at Bankside 2026 - Society of Designer Craftsmen - Group

at Bankside Gallery, 48 Hopton St, London SE1 9JB.

November/December 2026. Dates to be announced...

Further details to be released nearer the time...

STOCKISTS -

The Handmade Shop and Gallery - 77a St Johns Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1SQ.

Artisan Alchemy - 84 Caroline Street, Birmingham, B3 1UP.

Direct from my Studio at Cuckoo Farm Studios - Boxted Road, Colchester, CO4 5HH. By Appointment Only.

Send an enquiry to rowzo@tiscali.co.uk and I'd be happy to discuss any queries or commissions.

PAST EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS UNDERTAKEN -

In 2025

CFS Christmas Market at Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester Group

The Guildhall Exhibition at The Guildhall, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk by Suffolk Craft Society Group

Then & Now - Autumn Exhibition at Geedon Gallery, Essex Group

Cuckoos Take Flight to Fenwick at Fenwick's Colchester High Street store, Essex Group

Open Studios at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

On The World Stage at Ickworth House, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk by Suffolk Craft Society Group

Summer Exhibition 2025 by The Naze Tower, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex Group

My Family and Other Artists at The Minories Gallery, Colchester by Colchester Art Society Group

My Career First Decade by Nicholas Rowe at Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester Solo

The Minories Exhibition at The Minories Gallery, Colchester by the Suffolk Craft Society Group

In 2024

Presents with Provenance by Art at Home, Twickenham, London Group

Winter Exhibition at The Minories Gallery, Colchester by the Colchester Art Society Group

Designer Crafts at Bankside 2025 by Society of Designer Craftsmen, London Group

CFS Presents at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

Artists of Today and Tomorrow - Autumn Exhibition 2024 at the Geedon Gallery, Essex Group

Open Studios at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

Print & 3D Works exhibition by Colchester Art Society at The Sail Loft Navistitch, Manningtree Group

Summer Open Exhibition by The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex Group

Anglian Arts Project - organised by Graham Bell and Sally Pudney in the St Mary’s Church Hall, Little Bentley, Essex Group

Curators Choice by Colchester Art Society at The Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

In 2023

Presents with Provenance by Art at Home, Twickenham, London Group

Winter Exhibition by Colchester Art Society in the Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

CFS Presents by Cuckoo Farm Studios in the Benham Gallery and Barn Foyer, Colchester, Essex Group

Autumn Exhibition (Artists of today and tomorrow) at the Geedon Gallery, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex Group

Open Studios at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

Summer Exhibition by Colchester Art Society at old Bank Studios, Harwich, Essex Group

Working landscapes at Art at Home, Twickenham, London Group

Salvage in The Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

Art in Paint and Wood at The Sentinel Gallery, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex Duo

Spring Exhibition at the Geedon Gallery, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex Group

Spring Exhibition by Colchester Art Society at The Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

In 2022

Presents with Provenance at Art At Home, Twickenham, London Group

Christmas Present by the Colchester Art Society at Artspace, Woodbridge, Suffolk Group

Open Studios at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

Summer Online Exhibition by the Colchester Art Society Virtual

Power of The Line at The Benham Gallery at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

Transformations by the Society of Designer Craftsmen at the Bankside Gallery, London Group

30@30 exhibition at The Benham Gallery at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

In 2021

Open Studios 'Outside' 2021 at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex Group

Summer Online Exhibition by the Colchester Art Society Virtual

In 2020

3rd Virtual Exhibition by NewArtForYou Virtual

Christmas Online Exhibition by the Colchester Arts Society Virtual - My Tree was chosen for the poster & sold

Winter Wonders Christmas Collection at The Jessica Muir Gallery, Long Melford, Suffolk Group

Christmas Kaleidoscope 2020 at The Sentinel Gallery, Wivenhoe, Essex Group

Guest Artist for November & December 2020 at The Handmade Shop & Gallery, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

2nd Virtual Exhibition by NewArtForYou Virtual

1st Virtual Exhibition by NewArtForYou Virtual

Summer Exhibition Online by the Colchester Art Society Virtual

- Coronavirus (Covid-19) effected the UK & World mid March 2020 -

Guest Artist for March 2020 at The Handmade Shop and Gallery, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

In 2019

Winter Exhibition, by Colchester Art Society, at The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex

Christmas Kaleidoscope at The Sentinel Gallery, Wivenhoe, Essex

The Minories Christmas Market at The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex

Winter Wonders Christmas Collection at The Jessica Muir Gallery, Long Melford, Suffolk

Open Studios at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Polstead Exhibition, Maria Martins Cottage, Polstead, Suffolk

Summer Exhibition, The Naze Tower, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex

Summer Exhibition, by Colchester Art Society at The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex

Art in Wood & in Paint, The Sentinel Gallery, Wivenhoe, Essex Duo

In 2018

Winter Exhibition, by Colchester Art Society at The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex

The Minories Christmas Market at The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex

Winter Wonders Christmas Collection at The Jessica Muir Gallery, Long Melford, Suffolk

Flying The Nest Exhibition, Open Arts Space, The Sentinel Gallery, Wivenhoe, Essex

Open Studios at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Open Summer Exhibition, by Colchester Art Society at The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex

In 2017

The Minories Christmas Market at The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex

Autumn Exhibition, The Naze Tower, Walton on the Naze, Essex

Open Studios at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Back Catalogue Exhibition, The Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

In 2016

Wood Turned Exhibition, The Minories Gallery, Colchester, Essex Solo

Open Studios at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Outside 16 Exhibition, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

Designer Crafts at the Mall, Society of Designer Craftsmen Exhibition, The Mall Galleries, London

First Cuckoo of Spring Exhibition, The Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester, Essex

In 2015

Christmas Kaleidoscope, The Sentinel Gallery, Wivenhoe, Essex

New Designers, Business Design Centre, London