About Me
My Experience
I was born in 1965 and raised in Glasgow's West End.
At the age of 16 I began my four year City and Guilds apprenticeship from 1981-85 in the Decorating industry with the West End family firm of Matthew Middleton, under Mr. John Donald, son of the late John Donald FIBD.
My Craft training at this high-end Decorating firm included all the Traditional Painting skills and Decorative treatments, Paperhanging, Gilding, and Signwriting.
During this period I attended Clydebank College and studied for the City and Guilds Painting and Decorating Craft Certificate. In order to develop my skills to a more advanced level I attended Telford College in Edinburgh where I successfully obtained the City and Guilds Specialist Craft Certificate in Signwriting.
During my tenure in Edinburgh I received awards for my Lettering abilities.
At Telford College I studied Graining and Marbling under the guidance of Mike Pryor FFD, and Sign Writing under Jeff Brown. These two eminent decorators were mentors, friends and a constant source of inspiration and encouragement in my craft development.
From 1985-1987 I worked throughout the UK as a Specialist Decorator for a variety of companies.
From 1987-1997, I established my first company. During this period I also studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree at Stirling University as part of my general Education, while working on an independent basis.
From 1998 till 2024, I entered Teaching after
having studied and obtained a Postgraduate qualification from Glasgow University in Education in 1997-98. I also remained active in my Craft throughout this period.
In 2012 , I was made a Fellow of the Faculty of Decoration in recognition of my Traditional skills and expertise along with my contribution to our craft and industry.
I am a fully fledged Member and Maker at Heritage Crafts UK under the patronage of King Charles III.
In 2024 , I left Teaching and returned to industry by establishing my present and second company to focus on my traditional Craft skills and to promote our craft to a wider audience whilst providing a bespoke client service.