An interview with maker Lucy Turner as part of our 'Get to Know...' series.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business…
My name is Lucy, I am an artist and designer based in Somerset, I specialise in marquetry, a traditional craft and process. I use modern vibrant and durable laminate that
I laser cut, etch and inlay. I create unique and colourful gifts and homewares.
Where are you based?
Hallatrow - Near Bristol
Tell us a secret about you?
I cry at Brass bands, male voice choirs and anything really that involves people coming together to make sound. so emotional (and embarrassing to my kids!)
How do you make your work?
My main tools are my computer and drawing pad for creating files for the laser cutter.
I transfer the files to the machine, I then lay down pieces of laminate on the laser bed for cutting. I then remove these individual pieces and inlay them to create a marquetry panel in formica laminate. Glue is then applied to the underside and adhered to the surface. There is always a lot of time in the finishing process to ensure the end product is a really beautifully tactile and clean surface.
Describe your studio…
An absolute mess! I work in chaos, then have a blitz tidy up every week or so with some very loud music. Everything has its place, but it rarely gets back there until my manic tidy up sessions! My workshop is situated right near my house, we have a bit of a smallholding, so I am always surrounded by roaming chickens and friendly sheep. I am never alone!
Tell us about your materials - where do you source them from and are they important to you?
I mainly use formica laminate, as it's made in the UK. It's comprised of many layers of compressed paper with a resin coating. Formica will last for years , it's so sustainable in that way as it has such a long life.
Why is it important to you that your work is made as responsibly and sustainably as possible?
As a designer its my role to be mindful of how things are made. It's not just about the aesthetic, it has to be kind to our planet and have a long life. My main ethos is buy once, buy for life. My pieces will last a lifetime, and longer.
How and why did you start your small business?
I have always wanted to work for myself. I had a vision when was younger that I would make brightly coloured furniture, and I made it come true! My immense drive for creating and making things over powers everything else. I have worked for other people before and enjoyed my time, but working for myself has always been the goal. It's hard at times, but it's worth it. I do work in a pub one night a week, so I don't turn in to a complete hermit. That keeps me sane.
Any fun facts about your business, or achievements you want to shout about?
I had my own Lucy Turner MADE IN THE UK collection in John Lewis for a few years from 2010. That was a highlight. Ive also had a few celebs buy my work too, but I'm not name dropping!!
What do you love most about your small business and do you have a favourite piece of work?
I love getting an idea, having the burning desire to make it straight away, then putting it on instagram, or my website, and someone buying it! That is such an honour- there's nothing better.
I have had several favourite pieces of work. I quite like my "prawn" cocktail cabinet. That was fun. That now resides in a house in Cornwall that overlooks the sea.
What do you think are the benefits of people supporting independent business?
By supporting your local gift shop, you are enabling so many creative people to keep going, you are creating local jobs and also keeping the money locally, not giving it to huge corporate companies.
Tell us about your favourite purchase from a fellow maker. What is it and who made it?
My nude lady painting by my most talented friend and Bristol based artist - Louise Kelly Phillips. It's a beautiful golden lady propped up at a bar. It's a reminder every day that if I didn't have children, I would most probably be that naked lady propped up at a bar every night. I just love it. Her use of colours and bold sweeping strokes are just gorgeous.
What are your favourite things about PRIOR - both as a customer and a supplier?
The staff. You are all just so good at what you do, Thank you. Your window displays are fantastic!
Do you have a goal for where you’d love your business to be in the future?
Just to be able to keep going, to keep creating. I did have big visions in the past, but I think it's important to appreciate what you have got now, and to keep hold of that.
View Lucy Turner's handmade collection at Prior Shop here.
