Heritage Crafts and Axminster Tools have launched the inaugural Woodworker of the Year award as part of their new partnership, with a £2000 prize for the winning entry to be presented at a gala reception this winter.
This award celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to woodworking over the past year. It recognises a contribution that is far beyond the ordinary, based on a proven dedication to a particular woodworking skill.
The award is open to practitioners of any craft that uses wood at its primary material. As well as carpentry, furnituremaking and wood carving, other examples might include wheelwrighting, boatbuilding, timber framing, marquetry, guitar making, and so on.
To be eligible, the objects that the nominee makes must be made primarily of wood that has been worked using skilled hand techniques. Makers of composite objects are eligible as long as over half the material used is worked wood. Anyone, including the maker themselves, can nominate for this award.
The judges for the new award will be: Robin Wood MBE, an internationally respected green woodworker; Alan Styles, MD of Axminster Tools; and Sarah Goss, a traditional woodcarver.
To apply, complete the nomination form before the deadline of 5pm on Friday 2nd September 2022.
