MERSEYSIDE
WOODTURNERS
This is our home, nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Calderstones Park
Introduction
Welcome to Merseyside Woodturners, where creativity meets craftsmanship! Whether you're a seasoned woodturning expert or a complete beginner, we're a friendly and welcoming community passionate about all things wood. Our members come together to share knowledge, hone skills, and create beautiful, handcrafted pieces. With a focus on learning, sharing, and supporting one another, we're here to inspire and help you grow in your woodturning journey. Join us and be part of a vibrant group that celebrates the art of turning wood into something truly special!
Our Workshop Facilities
We have top-of-the-line woodworking machinery for your projects and experienced staff to help you on your first steps or develop your woodturning skills
Enjoy a spacious and well-lit workspace to bring your creations to life. As well as exhibition area to show off your pieces to the general public as well as family and friends
Access a variety of premium wood materials to hone your craft. Along with a supply of tools that assist you in making your masterpiece
Expert Woodworking Instructors at Merseyside Woodturners
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Woodturning Basics
Unusual turning projects
Over hundreds of years of woodturning experience between all the members to help you get over any hurdle.
Specializes in beginner, intermediate and advanced woodworking techniques.
Award-winning woodturner with a focus on amazing wooden toys
Exciting Upcoming Events
Woodturning Workshop (TUESDAY)
Hands-on learning experience for beginners. Tools provided.
EVERY Tuesday Jan 7th - Dec 16th 2025 12:30pm - 4pm
Woodturning Workshop (WEDNESDAY)
Hands-on learning experience for beginners. Tools provided.
EVERY WEDNesday Jan 7th - Dec 16th 2025 12:30pm - 4pm
Merseyside Woodturners - A Lesson on history
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1993 the Merseyside Woodturners Association (MWA) was started by a dozen or so like minded people mostly amateur but with one professional turner (Ray Jones who still operates from a workshop on High Street,Wavertree). A couple of the other founder members are still in the MWA including Steve Jackson our secretary. The role of the club was not only to support existing enthusiasts but also to educate anyone else with an interest in this ancient craft. Over-the years a verylarge number of people (around 1300 at the latest count) have come tothe ‘have a go’ training session in our workshops. The only requirements are that you are enthusiastic and are tall enough to use the lathe safely. Senior club members are always available ontraining days to guide you along.
Originallythe MWA only heldmonthly meetings but in 2007 it hired and kitted out a workshop inBridgewater St which could charitably be described as adequate butwhich a more realistic Health and safety appraisal would.haveregarded as something of a death trap.
When the opportunity came along to use the boat house in Calderstones Park weseized it with both hands. The Council were willing to let us rent it as an exhibition and training facility which was ideal for our needs.
When we first got access to the boathouse it was in an extremely poor-state; The exterior was sound but the debris of years of neglect filled the inside. lnitially money for the refurbishment was raised from our own funds, then later some successful lottery and grant applications.
A huge effort was then required-to strip it out, rewire and refit it and we opened for the first time in 2009. Ever since then there has been a continued investment in equipment, lathes and other facilities which now probably makes us one of the best resourced clubs in the country. A steady stream of visitors visit the gallery of members’ work and a significant number sign up to one or more of our training days.
We have regular sales of work. Originally we used the Coach House in Calderstones Park however access to this was curtailed when the Council closed the Mansion House.
For a number of years since we have used St Barnabas Church in Penny Lane for our sales. Recently the Mansion House has been acquired by the Reader Organisation (www.reader.org.uk) with whom we have developed good relations and,through them, we now have the opportunity to use the Coach House again.
THE GLOBAL HISTORY OF WOODTURNING
Woodturning is one of the oldest and most enduring crafts, with a rich history that spans thousands of years. The earliest known examples of woodturning date back to ancient Egypt around 1300 BCE, where a simple hand-powered lathe, known as a "bow lathe," was used. This early technology involved a rope tied to a wooden bow, which would be rapidly pulled back and forth to spin the wood,enabling the creation of small items like spindles, bowls, and tools.
As time progressed, woodturning spread across ancient civilizations, with the Greeks and Romans making significant advancements. Roman craftsmen refined the design of the lathe, enabling greater precision and a wider range of products. During the Middle Ages, woodturning became a vital skill for making everything from furniture to decorative objects, with lathes powered by foot or water mills.
The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries brought mechanisation to woodturning, with the development of steam-powered lathes and the mass production of wooden items. This period also saw the rise of woodturning as a profession, with skilled turners producing intricate and high-quality pieces for both functional and ornamental purposes.
Today, woodturning is practiced worldwide, blending traditional techniques with modern technology, and remains a respected craft enjoyed by hobbyists and professionals alike.
History in Liverpool
The history of woodturning in Liverpool is deeply intertwined with the city’s industrial heritage, reflecting both its maritime connections and its role in manufacturing during the 18th and 19th centuries. Liverpool, as a major port city, saw a thriving trade intimber, particularly from the Americas, which played a significant role in the development of various crafts, including woodturning.
In the 19th century, as the Industrial Revolution took hold,Liverpool became a hub for industries that utilized woodturning, such as furniture making, shipbuilding, and the production of small wooden objects like spindles, bobbins, and tool handles. The city’s shipyards relied on skilled woodturners for creating parts for ships,and local carpenters and cabinet makers also incorporated woodturning into their craft, producing both functional and decorative pieces.
With the expansion of the railway and the rise of manufacturing,the demand for wooden products increased, leading to the establishment of woodturning workshops across Liverpool. These workshops employed a growing number of craftsmen, many of whom passed down their skills through apprenticeships.
Today, woodturning remains a respected craft in Liverpool, with local clubs, such as Merseyside Woodturners, continuing to promote the art. The tradition of skilled woodturning in the city endures, blending historical techniques with contemporary innovations.
Our Masterpieces on Display
Crafting Masterpieces Together
We love the friendly atmosphere here at Merseyside Woodturners!
Alice Johnson
Samuel Brown
Being part of Merseyside Woodturners feels like being part of a big family.
Ella Thompson
Our skills have improved so much since joining Merseyside Woodturners.
Join Us for Woodworking Classes!