About Me
I'm Stephen J Turner, a passionate artisan, wood carver and designer. My hands bring life to wood, creating intricate designs that tell stories and capture the essence of the material. Beyond the beauty of craftsmanship, I specialize in crafting custom, bespoke memorials in wood - each piece a unique tribute that preserves the memories of loved ones in a tangible and meaningful way.
In addition to my skills with wood, I am a creative writer, weaving together thought-provoking words that reflect the depth of emotion. This dual passion allows me to not only shape physical forms in wood but also to craft narratives that resonate with the heart.
I believe in the power of art and words to evoke emotion, stir memories, and create lasting connections. Join me on a journey where wood transforms into art, and where every memorial becomes a profound expression of love and remembrance.
My Résumé
An overview of my achievements and brief history 1986-present
Summary
I started work in the family exhibition and small craft gallery business; I went on to start my own businesses called Freedom Communications, with many off shoots including Freedom Fine Art and Freedom Web Services (now pre-owned) for 10 years. I had 4 shops of various sizes and interests in Essex at its peak in the year 2001.
Freedom fine art remained and continued to sell art for a few artists promoting and managing
some including Royal estates artist Graham Petley.
In 2014 Art of Wood was born, This was my baby, this time creating and promoting my own
catalogue of hand-crafted wooden products to a growing audience and sectors.
This is still growing today with my creations now located in some high-profile location around the world.
Professional Experience
- Company Director, Owner and Employer for 8 years
- Gallery and shop owner for 10 years
- Running own business and flexible staff 20+ years
- Carpenter, sculptor and wood carver for many years, (including making for national cafe, pub and hotel chains)
- Undertaker (worked directly within the industry in various areas including coroners) for 5 years
- My business supplying funeral industry nationally approx. 10 years
- Selling artist
Professional Achievements
- As above, Turnover of well over £1million over the years
- Supplying artists and their work in Hong Kong and Beijing
- Supplying 4 councils, and National crematoria companies along with many funeral Directors
- Supplier to ITV and national soap operas such as Emmerdale
My Creativity
Sculptor
I am proud to supply a full bespoke sculpting/carving service supplying with care and attention all aspects of hand carving projects from conception of an idea through to completion and installation if required. This will include design, sourcing and costing together with handcrafted production and protection of the wood for that lasting and feature work of art to be proud of for years to come.
Wood Carver
Since a young age I have been working, enjoying and learning the fundamentals of the wooden form. I have carved for individuals, national companies and now ITV as a supplier for well known soap operas. Anything can be carved so the subject matter is often in the mind of the client and then created in wood with passion for the detail bringing it to life.
Artist & Illustrator
For many years artists and art has been very prominent in our Turner family, I have been drawing from a very young age with works shown and sold in the past. Now I work with other mediums to produce bespoke ideas and projects, these can be thought provoking wording or illustrations for promotional purposes and writing.
Thought Provoking Writing
I am pleased to announce my new venture into creative writing. Using my personal life experiences and journeys incorporating thought provoking and constructive wording & illustrations, together with my other skills such as art, carving and sculpture.
Bespoke Furniture
I am pleased to announce my new venture into creative writing. Using my personal life experiences and journeys incorporating thought provoking and constructive wording & illustrations, together with my other skills such as art, carving and sculpture.
Woodland Wellbeing
Future planned idea is for a woodland area which can be used for many woodland activities to encourage the mind and well-being though the peace and tranquillity that is naturally natured by having the beauty of the outdoors surrounding us encouraged by art, sculpture, carving and thought provoking wording at hand to stimulate and heal the mind.
Judy Caplin
Lovely - looks perfect!
Sam Ranson
Absolutely amazing quality! Stephen is extremely helpful as well, definitely recommend buying from his store.
Enfield Council
Always helpful, trustworthy and transparent.
Adrian Graves
Civil Celebrant
Stephen is a consummate craftsman. His practical yet exquisite design, skill and carving for the new memorial lectern in St Edmunds Chapel at the West Suffolk Crematorium is stunning. It exactly fulfils the brief we gave him and everyone is delighted with it.
Elisabeth Bemment Floristry
Fabulous sign made for our house, we had never had a sign before and Stephen and I
worked out a sign
that would fit the area we live in, five acres of woodland and a sign to compliment the
surroundings.
We also commissioned a lovely large mirror designed and fitted on our wall visible as we
walk down the
stairs, lovely piece of work.
Pradeepa David Art
It was a pleasure working with and ordering a wooden panel from Stephen all the way from start to finish. He answered all questions, even my silly ones and packaging and delivery were fantastic too!
Rohan Worrell
Stephen - thanks very much , looks great !
Viv Rees
Both items are stunning and are great additions to our lounge. You may notice from the
picture, that
our original piece, the over mantle mirror, has the waney edge on the inside. For the
picture frame,
we wanted the waney edge on the outside of the mount so as not to impact the width of
the mount around
the picture. Both ways work so well and each item has been skilfully shaped and worked
by Stephen to
create a unique item for our home. We absolutely love them, and they will be treasured
for years to come.
My Portfolio
Please feel free to browse my products and services below. Most are available to buy on Etsy, for commission/bespoke works then please feel free to reach out to me.
- All
- Sculpture
- Memorials & Remembrance
- Stands
- Mirrors
- Display Items
- Signage
- Furniture
Contact Me
Jot me a note and i`ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
Social Profiles
Email Me
info@stephenjturner.me.uk
Call Me
+44 (0)1986 896665