Mervyn Mewis
Mervyn Mewis has been involved in woodlands and small scale
production of furniture for over twenty years; following on from a
combination of landscape conservation studies at Merrist Wood
College (Surrey) and Birkbeck University (London) and with City and
Guilds traditional carpentry training. Bringing these interests
together in the form of traditional green (unseasoned) woodwork
techniques, combining historic methods of working with modern
design and function have led to nearly ten years of teaching and
helping others to understand and learn these skills.
Work has been displayed at National Trust Clandon Park (Guildford),
Leith Hill Place and at Godalming Museum (Surrey) where a
substantial art installation helps to promote the local history of
woodlands and their uses. BBC Countryfile included some of these
aspects in a part of the programme in 2015, while demonstration
venues range across the South of England.
Describe your approach to teaching:
My approach simplifies the tasks involved, and orders the
methodology so that there is a logical, flowing sequence of stages
which can be understood and readily achieved by students.
What inspires your own work?
Traditional craft skills combine the potential to explore and
include unusual shape and form in my work, conservation work in
native ancient woodlands provide design and inspiration.
