A day in the company of Mick Hanbury

Mick had travelled down the afternoon before, it was about a 5 hour trip as I understand it and he stayed overnight at Don's house. This meant that Mick was fresh for his demonstration today, and it showed. I was early at the hall and had the chance to chat to Mick as he set up. I found him easy to talk to and keen to help. Mick laid out a number of finished items, all of excellent quality and a good selection of projects.

His Demonstration was very good, his tooled finish to the underside of the platter, well if I didn't say perfection it would be a crime, so much so I suggested the members do as I did and go up to see for themselves, they as I was where stunned to say the least at the perfect shape and finish he achieved straight from the tool. As usual there where many questions answered throughout the day with some humour thrown in. The majority of the day was used to make a bowl/platter/box seemed to be the best way to describe it, the design was brilliant as it gave us another aspect of what could be turned, the method was enlightening and the skill outstanding. To finish the day off Mick turned a beautiful textured box which was equally as fine a finish and design.

Various finishes where adopted to produce the beautiful bowl/box/platter including some piercing, the lid fitted just right as you would expect and was topped with an ornate Ebony finial. All in all, one of the best demonstrations I've ever seen. Lunch was provided by Aline and Nicky and was up to the usual first class standard and the members applauded their efforts. Finally Don took the floor to thank Mick and the audience showed their enthusiastic appreciation. For those of you who have yet to attend a Master class, you are missing out big time, if you can possibly get to one then do so, they are well worth it. And there goes another brilliant Master class.

Boots May 2007


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