“I explore Orkney’s Neolithic heritage through the craft of woodturning.”
Michael Sinclair
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Michael, a born and bred Orcadian, has been wood turning for over 28 years. Self-taught, Michael honed his skills with practice, experimentation and his desire to produce fine attractive pieces. He was accepted onto the Register of Professional Turners in 2017.
Michael’s life and work reflect his affinity with Orkney tradition and its heritage of craftsmanship.
A selection from the shop…
The latest from Instagram…
The latest from the Blog…
New products for the Ness of Brodgar shop
🎄In time for Christmas🎄 Inspired by the stone spatulae, found at the Ness, Michael has carved some Ebony ones. These are being sold on their own and with Neolithic Unstan ware inspired bowls. An example of a worked stone spatulate tool from the Ness of Brodgar. Hand...
Catching up with old friends
Back in the day (early 80s 😱) I was a riding instructor and worked at Holmesfield Equestrian Centre near Sheffield. It was great fun and there was a lovely bunch of people working there. We all lived in too😉 and had so many laughs. After a while I moved on to take...
Time for a little break away from beautiful Orkney.
Well for me! At the beginning of October I went down to Derbyshire to visit Mum leaving MrOrkwoodturner and his dog at home. Sleepy shed dog My brud, his lovely wife, my niece and her boyfriend all came over too and we had a great week. We visited lots of places, did...
Testimonials…
I thank you Michael for your thumb pot. It brings together two of my loves. Orkney itself and things of simple beauty.
I enjoyed meeting you both when we traveled to Orkney (from our home in America). One can see how Michael continues to refine his craft and the flexibility it takes to work with found and reclaimed wood and the respect shown to nature in all her many forms. I also love how the symbols of ancient ancestors are carried on in the trim and details. Each piece is truly of a place and time but connects us to the past.
The ‘petrosphere’ has just arrived safely. It is a thing of great beauty and it will be cherished as a family heirloom.
It’s a beautiful piece which will have a prominent place in my living room.
As a keen Japanese film enthusiast, there are some ‘set pieces’ I have noticed where a traveller/Ronin/stranger is invited to have a meal at a campfire cauldron and he produces his bowl from his clothing/pack. The beauty, design and origin of the bowl is commented on and may or may not lead to further talk. If I was that person this is the bowl I would produce.
You have such a good eye, Michael, and your bowl is so pleasing to my eye and hand, such a great line. You have made something very beautiful, fully exploiting the features of a stunning piece of Sycamore.
I love the age old designs. The most inspirational woodturning I’ve seen.
Thank you for your work Michael, it will forever offer us memories of the amazing place you call home.
I have a longstanding interest in prehistory and Neolithic Orkney in particular. Your work not only celebrates but extends that tradition so I’m very glad to be acquiring this wonderful piece of true Orkney craftsmanship.
Your products are of a high standard and excellent quality, highlighting Michael’s skill as a wood turner.
Having bought two bowls in your gallery, we both like them even more now that we can see them many times a day.