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Phil Irons
12 February 2005
Unlike previous demonstrations this started on time and by Phil’s own admission he could see the
lathe clearly. This may have had something to do with the fact that he had driven up from his home
that morning and not stayed with Jeff Whitehead the previous night.
Phil first showed us some examples of his latest venture – wooden hats. You may remember that
Phil used to be recognised at the various shows not only by his size but by the wooden hat he used
to wear. He recently had Johannes Michelsen at his workshops giving lessons and this rekindled his
enthusiasm for making hats. He also told us the prices that some of these items can fetch
(in America) with some of the larger types fetching several thousand dollars.
The morning was spent with Phil making one of his miniature hats and it was amazing to see how,
with the use of elastic bands, the brim could be bent into shape.
After a splendid luncheon, provided by Jackie Whitehead, it was back to business and Phil’s
speciality – hollow forms. Phil explained that shape is everything and the amount of wood that
has to be removed to achieve that shape is irrelevant. While Phil was turning the form we were
treated to a discussion (not heated but certainly warm) between various members about what
was an attractive shape. It became obvious that we all like different things and it is best to agree
to disagree.
To colour or not to colour that is the question. Not to everyone’s taste but certainly worth watching
as Phil did his party trick of setting fire to the piece to dry the various dyes he uses.
He also showed us a way of using certain woods to stain the piece on the lathe.
Overall an interesting day and definitely worth the entrance fee. We could possibly have had more
turning (the small hat took a long time to make) but still a good day.
Martin Payne
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