Comments on: At Nichols Bros (Woodturners) Ltd

By: Eileen underwood

Eileen underwood — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:16:42 +0000

My daughter is a woodturner and would be very interested in hearing about your wonderful business She is returning from abroad.

Kind Regards
Eileen

By: William Sogbetun

William Sogbetun — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 20:19:37 +0000

Hi there,

We’re looking for a newel post to be made up for us. all in height would need to be approx 117.5cm and widest width 9cm. We’re replacing an original due to a loft conversion stair case going in would would like to at least keep some of the character of the old staircase so would like to base the next one on what we have already. Whats the turnaround time usually for producing these?

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 09:48:55 +0000

These years of your dedicated skill must not be given up easily by the hope someone calls in by chance. If you haven’t done so already, ADVERTISING in the right areas may bring just the person – or team of two. The GA’s blog may weave its matchmaking magic too.

It is true that the trend in this generation is not to learn a skill but talented individuals do exist who need an opportunity.

It struck me in the quest for my ancestry, the most determined & successful Apprentices and Journeymen arrived in the heart of London from the shires and the West Country.
A simple posting on FACEBOOK could bring your dream surprisingly closer.
Your successful daughter would know exactly how.

GOOD LUCK GEOFF

By: Jim Brettell

Jim Brettell — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 08:27:56 +0000

Geof,

A very familiar story and the photos bring memories flooding back of our place in Winchelsea Road and later Chestnut Avenue. I was very glad to have had the chance to meet you at Rob’s funeral and to see your factory at first hand – wonderfully evocative of my early memories of 121 Teesdale Street in the 1950’s! As you know, succession was an issue for us and I really hope you are able to find someone keen to take on the traditions of woodturning in the East End. It seems you do indeed have the title of ‘last woodturner’ and I shall watch what happens with great interest.

Best wishes,

Jim Brettell

By: Greg Tingey

Greg Tingey — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 06:58:08 +0000

VERY local to me …
I have used their services a couple of times …
Hope they remain open.

By: Susan Martin

Susan Martin — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 16:55:25 +0000

How amazing and interesting. I so hope that Geoff finds someone worthy to take on his business. Thanks for another great blog.

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 11:42:07 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, thanks for a glimpse into another lost art in London. What a collection. Well said: “…our national archive of stair spindles…is a secret museum that tell the story of the growth of the capital of spindles – a cultural asset of the greatest significance and it will not come again.”

Too bad that the Geoff cannot find a worthy apprentice to carry on the trade…

By: Marc

Marc — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 11:06:47 +0000

If only I was 50 years younger ……

By: Catherine Morley

Catherine Morley — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 09:24:31 +0000

Wow just seen this post and it brings back so many memories. My Nana lived in Milton Rd and my mum had a hairdresser’s there as well. I remember this wood turners as I used to walk past most days and remember the sounds and smells of wood coming out. I’m 70 now and these memories are from my earliest memories probably around 5yrs old.
I hope the business can find someone who will keep it going, there are two many small business’s that are viable where they close due to family not carrying on the business. Not blaming the family as they have there own chosen career, I just find it sad. Good luck.

By: Mathilde Grange

Mathilde Grange — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 08:30:32 +0000

Fantastic profession that is disappearing everywhere. I sincerely hope someone will come to be trained.