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

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 2024 -

Keep an eye here as they appear... (updated 17/03/25)

Suffolk Craft Society at The Minories - the annual event returns - Group

at The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE .

Thursday 1 to Sunday 18 May 2025.

10am - 4pm Thursday - Sunday only.

“Though we proudly carry the Suffolk name, our talented members come from across the entire Eastern region, bringing a wide array of craftsmanship to our showcases.”

See who is participating by visiting the Suffolk Craft Society exhibition website page.

My Career First Decade - by Nicholas Rowe BA (Hons) MSDC - Solo Exhibition

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

Saturday 3 to Sunday 18 May 2025.

11am - 4pm Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment.

Opening party Saturday 3rd May 2025 and talk at 12noon.

This significant solo exhibition celebrates the first 10 years of my professional practice and a Studio Holder at Cuckoo Farm Studios. My biggest undertaking and exhibition of work to date.

Featuring retrospective pieces demonstrating my evolution and highlighting achievements. Starting with works from my BA (Hons) 3D Design and Craft Degree Show in 2015 at the Colchester School of Art and Graduate Award in 2015/16 at Cuckoo Farm Studios - to majoring on present day works embodying my current professional skills.

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

at The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE.

Friday 22 August to Sunday 14 September 2025.

“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.”

See who is participating by visiting the Suffolk Craft Society exhibition website page.

Open Studios - the annual event returns - Group

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

11am - 5pm Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 2025.

The annual event will see around 30 Studio Holders opening their doors to the public, I will be once again at home in my gazebo, exhibition of CFS Associate Members work in the Benham Gallery, grounds, refreshments and activities.

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

Autumn Exhibition 2025 - Geedon Gallery - Group

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

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

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

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

Friday 7 to Sunday 23 November 2025.

“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.”

See who is participating by visiting the Suffolk Craft Society exhibition website page.

CFS Presents - the annual event returns - Group

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

Venue and dates still to be finalised. November/December 2025.

The annual Pre-Christmas Exhibition and Shop returns for a second 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.

Again CFS will be offering you the option to reserve/purchase your piece from the exhibition and/or buy directly from the shop. 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.

More to be announced soon...

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 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