James is a young furniture maker, eager to ensure the craft is kept alive in his home of Northern Ireland. A self-taught woodworker, James fell in love with wood when he received a small wood lathe for Christmas at 12 years old.
He’s spent the last six years improving his skills and has made functional pieces including rocking chairs, cabinets and bowls.
James works part time for a local joiner but is confident his Scholarship opportunity will position him to be able to work full-time as a cabinet maker and eventually start his own business in Northern Ireland. James’ QEST training will see him undertake a 12-month design-make course at the renowned Rowden Atelier School of Fine Woodworking in Devon, learning from master furniture makers.
He will hone skills in drawing and design, 3D modelling, the use of power tools and business acumen. James is passionate about sharing his knowledge with his local Northern Irish community and hopes to achieve this in a teaching capacity in the future.