Crafty Conversations

James Humphrey
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Over the course of this summer, I took a sabbatical from teaching and cycled over 2,200 kilometres from one end of the country to the other, meeting nearly twenty craftspeople along the way. From silver spinners and wheelwrights to kilt makers and basket weavers, I learnt the stories behind their endangered skills and what it takes to keep these crafts alive today.

Episodes

  1. 11/12/2025

    Episode 9: Katie B Morgan

    In this episode, I talk to decorative artist Katie B. Morgan about the craft of painting and surface design. Her work spans fairground art, canal-barge decoration, restoration projects and her own ceramic pieces, all guided by an instinctive sense of balance and rhythm, drawn entirely by hand. I also reflect on Day Seven of my ride, waking beneath cedar trees at an old rectory, tackling the long climb over Cleeve Hill, and finishing the day in Bewdley with a burger, two pints of Butty Bach, and a quiet night under canvas at Lucy’s Farm Camping. Links:See the visual journey on InstagramThere are links to the podcast in the highlights.Explore Katie’s websiteDiscover more about endangered crafts at Heritage Crafts and, if you’d like to support their work, you’ll find a link to my JustGiving page here.

    58 min

  2. 10/14/2025

    Episode 7: Hector Cole

    Episode 7: Hector Cole MBE — The Arrow-Maker In this episode, I talk to blacksmith and historical metals specialist Hector Cole MBE about the ancient craft of making arrowheads. Working from his forge near Malmesbury, Hector combines practical skill with the curiosity of an archaeologist — recreating Saxon and medieval designs using traditional tools, fuels, and techniques. His work reveals how early smiths experimented with materials, layering soft and hard metals to create strength, flexibility, and a lasting edge. I also reflect on the morning of Day Six of my ride: setting off freshly rested from my parents’ home in Wiltshire, climbing the gentler hills towards Malmesbury, and spending time in Hector’s workshop watching those centuries-old skills brought vividly back to life. Links See the visual journey on Instagram: @crafty_cyclist Find out more about Hector Cole MBE and his work through the Heritage Crafts Directory Discover more about endangered crafts at Heritage Crafts — and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate via my JustGiving page

    1h 3m

  3. 09/22/2025

    Episode 6: Gary Woodhouse

    In this episode, I talk to steel frame builder Gary Woodhouse about the craft of making lightweight, hand-built bicycles. Gary explains how butted steel tubing, simple but ingenious tools, and a highly personal design process come together to create Curtis bikes built for life. I also reflect on Day Six of my ride: leaving the Devon hills behind, flying through Somerset with a tailwind, and arriving at my parents’ home in Wiltshire — where a post-it note, a cold beer, and a treasured Ercol table combined for a colourful turn for the worse. Links See the visual journey on Instagram: @crafty_cyclist Click on this link to see more of ⁠⁠Gary’s work with Curtis Bikes on Instagram⁠⁠ Visit the ⁠⁠Curtis Cycles website⁠⁠ to learn more Discover more about endangered crafts at ⁠⁠Heritage Crafts⁠⁠ — and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate via my ⁠⁠JustGiving⁠⁠ page

    36 min

  4. 09/03/2025

    Episode 5: Greg Rowland

    In this episode, I talk to wheelwright Greg Rowland about the craft of making traditional wooden wheels. Greg explains why different timbers are chosen for different parts of the wheel — elm for hubs, oak for spokes, ash for fellies — and how fire and iron are used to shrink-fit the tyre that locks everything together. We also explore the hidden geometry of a twelve-spoke wheel, and what it means to “cut for your grandchildren” when elm may take fifty years to season. I also reflect on Day Four of my ride: cycling across South Devon over steep, sharp hills, taking my first fall of the journey, and dealing with a frayed gear cable that had to be fixed roadside. The day finished in Axminster, with omelettes, local craft cider, and the realisation that it was time to start heading north in earnest. Links See the visual journey on Instagram: @crafty_cyclist Click on this link to see more of ⁠⁠Greg’s work on Instagram⁠⁠ Discover more about endangered crafts at ⁠⁠Heritage Crafts⁠⁠ — and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate via my ⁠⁠JustGiving⁠⁠ page

    52 min

  5. 08/25/2025

    Episode 4: Sean Hellman

    In this episode, I talk to green woodworker Sean Hellman about his craft and his deep knowledge of traditional hand tools. Sean shares how he uses and adapts tools such as spoon horses and pole lathes, why ergonomics and body-awareness are as important as technique, and how delicate creations like fan birds can be made from a single billet of wood. I also reflect on Day Four of my ride, cycling through Cornwall in relentless rain, meeting my brother for coffee in Looe, and finally arriving in Buckfastleigh drenched, tired, and grateful for Sean’s warm welcome. The plan was to push on and wild camp on Dartmoor — though the weather had other ideas links See the visual journey on Instagram: @crafty_cyclist Click on this link to see more of ⁠⁠Sean’s work ⁠⁠ and his books Discover more about endangered crafts at ⁠⁠Heritage Crafts⁠⁠ and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate via my ⁠⁠JustGiving⁠⁠ page

    52 min

  6. 08/18/2025

    Episode 3: Carl Austin

    In this episode, I talk to furniture maker Carl Austin abouthow his background in boat building informs the way he designs and constructsfurniture. He explains his distinctive approach to steam-bending and laminatingwood, and how these techniques give his pieces their graceful curves andlasting strength. We also look at the details that make his work unique — fromcopper boat nails to finely fitted infill blocks that combine practicality withbeauty. I also reflect briefly on the second afternoon of my journey, leavingFalmouth by ferry, visiting my sister in Portscatho, and riding up the coasttowards St Austell, where the weather started to draw in. See the visual journey on Instagram Click on this link to see more of ⁠⁠Rebecca’s⁠⁠ work Discover more about endangered crafts at ⁠⁠Heritagecrafts ⁠⁠ and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate viamy ⁠⁠JustGiving⁠⁠ page.

    30 min

  7. 08/11/2025

    Episode 2: Rebecca Walklett

    In this episode, I talk to metalsmith Rebecca Walklett about her work with copper — from the traditional techniques of raising and sinking to creating rich surface patinas using a variety of chemicals. She also shares how she uses silhouette dies to press-form copper into geometric cushion shapes for her 'small boxes'. I also reflect briefly on my second day on the road and waking up on my first morning with 100 kilometres ahead of me. See the visual journey on Instagram @crafty_cyclist Click on this link to see more of ⁠Rebecca’s⁠ work Discover more about endangered crafts at ⁠Heritagecrafts ⁠ and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate via my ⁠JustGiving⁠ page.

    32 min

  8. 07/29/2025

    Episode 1: The Explainer

    This first episode looks at how the idea for the journey came about and what it took to plan. From contacting nearly twenty craftspeople to arranging stays at different campsites along the route. I talk about the training I needed to undertake, the challenge of fitting everything onto a bike, and the build‑up to finally reaching Land’s End to begin this huge adventure. See the visual journey on Instagram @crafty_cyclist Discover more about endangered crafts at Heritage crafts and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate via my JustGiving page.

    14 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Over the course of this summer, I took a sabbatical from teaching and cycled over 2,200 kilometres from one end of the country to the other, meeting nearly twenty craftspeople along the way. From silver spinners and wheelwrights to kilt makers and basket weavers, I learnt the stories behind their endangered skills and what it takes to keep these crafts alive today.

Information

  • Creator
    James Humphrey
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © James Humphrey
  • Show Website
    Crafty Conversations