Margaret was drawn to woodturning when visiting a friend and trying her hand at turning in his shed at the bottom of the garden. She then became a member of the Jorvik Woodturning Club. This club influenced her in her early days by providing challenges that would stretch her abilities, and they did, as she won many prizes at the competitions. She then started to enter national and international competitions and has received awards.
She started production turning for a bespoke hardwood furniture company in 2000, and was also invited to give woodturning demonstrations to woodturning clubs. In 2001 she became a member of The Association of Woodturners of Great Britain and went on to join The American Association of Woodturners.
Margaret won the first prize at the International Woodturning Exhibition at the NEC, which took her to La Moulin in France to work with Mick Hanbury. She won the same completion a second time and spent time with Simon Hope. When Binh Pho visited England in 2005, Margaret, with others, spent three days with him which has influenced her work today. Subsequently, Margaret has been very interested in gaining more knowledge about the craft and art of woodturning.
The Worshipful Company of Turners enabled Margaret to visit the internationally known turner Alain Mailland in France through a bursary award, which they granted her in 2007. The time spent with Alain not only increased her technical ability but provided further inspiration for her work.
Every four years The Worshipful Company of Turners run a prestigious event in the heart of London, Wizardry in wood. Margaret has displayed and sold her work there. They also organize a bi-annual competition, and she has received awards on several occasions.
Website: https://www.margaretgarrard.co.uk/
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