AWGB Seminar

[Bill Mooney]

Now the AWGB Seminar is nearly upon us it brings back a fond memory. Back in 2009 I had been off the lathe for 18 months due to sight loss & several eye operations. I decided to try turning again but I wanted to extend myself so I made a piece incorporating off centre & tilted turning. When Ian Forster rpt & good friend saw my piece he asked if I was going to the AWGB Seminar, I said I was going with Andrew Hall & he encouraged me to enter my piece in the open gallery which I did, against about 400 other pieces from professional & amateur turners from around the world. Of course I thought I stood no chance.

I asked Mike Mahoney for a critique which he gave me, calling over Ray Key & Bert Mash who also critiqued my piece. Bert then smiled & patting me on the shoulder said it’s been picked. My piece was among the top 50 to travel the UK on a year long travelling exhibition. I was gobsmacked & we talked for a while & it was then I told them I’d lost most of my sight. It was a real boost to my confidence & i’m still turning today.

The top of my piece is padauk finished with several coats of danish oil, the base is polished corian, the pedestal being a replica of the top. The piece stands 330mm high & the top piece is 250mm diameter. a fine memory.

 

[fortress]

That is stunning Bill no wonder it was chosen. Where does that piece live now?

 

[Penpal]

Fascinating memories and realisations Bill,so many thanks for sharing.The initials AWGB are a mystery to me,therefore its intent and purpose. I can only guess it is an industry leader making your award even more meaningful.Congratulations on way back then.Most of the names you used are mysteries to me also. I guess not buying English or any other countries magazines restricts my experience.

Peter.

 

[Bill Mooney]

Thanks for you comments. John the piece still lives with me, I never sell it as it’s still my inspiration. Peter AWGB is the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain who have an international woodturning seminar every 2 years.

 

[pittswood]

Very nice and appealing quiet piece. Well done Bill.
Kelvin

 

[Cumbrian Craig]

Lovely work Bill. Great looking piece.

Regards

Craig

 

[Phil Dart]

Fine work indeed Bill. Your undoubted skills, which you continue to bring to woodturning despite considerable adversity are a credit to the both you and to woodturning in general.

 

[Dalboy]

Well done [MENTION=603]Bill Mooney[/MENTION] and well deserved you are a true ambassador for the woodturning community and prove that nothing should hold you back. great piece as always from your workshop.

 

[yorkshireman]

I don’t know how you do it Bill but I’m glad you do

 

[sammy]

Well done Bill, well deserved.
George

 

[wm460]

Congratulations Bill, it is a superb piece.

AWGB is the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain

Is that for international poms?

 

[Gregory Hardy]

What a lovely piece. The off-center work is a dark mystery to me - this is astounding. Really timeless.

 

[Bill Mooney]

Thank you for all your kind comments. Pieces like this keeps me on my toes.

 

[Paul hd]

A great piece of work Bill.