Nathanael Griffiths » test

I am an Autistic Woodturner from Chester.   I first began woodturning at the age of 13 when my DT teacher introduced me to the lathe.  The first project I ever made was a ‘kururin’ rolling toy on the school lathe from an old beech rolling pin.  It wasn’t the best piece but I still have it now to remind me how far I’ve come!

In 2019 I won the Young category of British Woodturner of the Year from the Guild of Master Craftsmen with a Zebrano segmented vase.  My piece was exhibited at the Oxo Tower as part of “Celebrating British Craft’ exhibition.  I began to enjoy making segmented work and went on to exhibit segmented pieces twice at the Royal Academy Young Artist’s Summer Show in London. 

I was awarded a Bursary from the Worshipful Company of Turners in 2022 as well as being mentored by Colwin Way.  I have been a part of the Emerging Turners Programme where I have learnt from some amazing woodturners and met lots of other young turners who have become great friends! 

In 2023 as part of Woodturning Connect,  I was honoured to be invited to exhibit in the ‘Master’s Exhibition’ based on the theme of the Coronation. I was awarded the ‘Choice Award’ from the V&A museum for my piece ‘Continuity Rings’.  Aired in Nov. 2023 I won Channel 4’s Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker.

I particularly enjoy doing club demonstrations and tutoring at my home workshop.