Ken Barnes was introduced to wood turning at the age of ten by his father. He spent many happy hours in the workshop at Chatburn, near Clitheroe.
When he left school he joined his father in the family Bakery business. During this time, he attended night school and part of this course incorporated art in connection to cake decoration. This sparked an interested in design and form which has helped in his creativity of wood craft.
In 2003, when he retired, he began to further his hobby of wood turning. Using flair and originality, Ken enhanced the natural beauty of the wood, believing that it should have a lustrous finish and not be too glossy. This is achieved by using natural sealers, waxes and oils.
Timber is sourced from a reliable timber merchant in the Lune Valley, where the majority of wood is purchased. Occasionally foreign timbers are purchased, but he ensures that it complies with environmental regulations.
Oak, ash and spalted woods are Ken’s favorites, because of the grain patterns which appear whilst being turned. Various burrs prove even more exciting as they are so distinctive, but are difficult to acquire.
Ken is passionate about his wood turning and this is reflected in every unique hand-crafted item he produces, which make a stunning compliment to any home.
