About Me

I was born in 1965 and raised in Glasgow's West End. At the age of 16 I began my career in the decorating industry with an apprenticeship at the West End family decorating firm of Mathew Middleton, under Mr. John Donald, son of the late John Donald FIBD. 

My Craft training at this high-class decorating firm included all the traditional painting skills and decorative treatments, paperhanging, gilding, and signwriting. 

During this time, I attended Clydebank College and studied for the City and Guilds craft certificate, which I was awarded in 1984. In order to develop my skills, I attended Telford College in Edinburgh where I attained, in 1987, the City and Guilds craft certificate in Signwriting. I was also awarded by the college for my lettering abilities.

At Telford College I studied Graining and Marbling under the guidance of Mike Pryor FFD, and Signwriting under Jeff Brown. These two eminent decorators were mentors, friends and a constant source of inspiration and encouragement in my craft development.

From 1991 to 1994 I studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree at Stirling University as part of my general education, while working on an independent basis. From 1994 till 1997 I worked for a variety of major decorating firms in Glasgow, specialising in lettering, graining, gilding, and paperhanging.

In 1997-1998 I studied and obtained a Post Graduate qualification from Glasgow University in Education. Since this period, I have been engaged in teaching and developing my own business, undertaking mostly private work. In 2012 I was made a Fellow of the Faculty of Decoration in recognition of my skills, abilities, and contribution to our craft and industy.