Crafty Conversations

Episode 8: Hugh Conway Morris

Episode 8 In this episode I go back and chat over the phone to architect Hugh Conway Morris about his approach to designing and building using traditional materials and low-impact methods. Working from a converted barn near Gloucester, Hugh explains how timber, earth, and lime can be used to create buildings that are both environmentally considered and deeply rooted in craft , while still feeling ambitious and modern in their design. I also reflect on Day Six of my ride: starting out from my parents’ home in Wiltshire, visiting blacksmith Hector Cole in the morning, and then heading north to meet Hugh before a short but memorable ride to a quiet campsite near Huntley, where a Victorian rectory garden and the first settled evening of the trip offered a welcome change of pace. To see images from this conversation and the wider trip visit https://www.instagram.com/crafty_cyclist/ [https://www.instagram.com/crafty_cyclist/] To visit Heritage Crafts https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/ [https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/] And to see more about Hugh https://mademanifest.co.uk/home/hugh-conway-morris/ [https://mademanifest.co.uk/home/hugh-conway-morris/]

Episode 9: Katie B Morgan

In this episode, I talk to decorative artist Katie B. Morgan about the craft of painting and surface design. Her work spans fairground art, canal-barge decoration, restoration projects and her own ceramic pieces, all guided by an instinctive sense of balance and rhythm, drawn entirely by hand. I also reflect on Day Seven of my ride, waking beneath cedar trees at an old rectory, tackling the long climb over Cleeve Hill, and finishing the day in Bewdley with a burger, two pints of Butty Bach, and a quiet night under canvas at Lucy’s Farm Camping. Links: See the visual journey on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/crafty_cyclist/] There are links to the podcast in the highlights. Explore Katie’s website [https://www.kbmorgan.co.uk/] Discover more about endangered crafts at Heritage Crafts [https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/] and, if you’d like to support their work, you’ll find a link to my JustGiving [https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/crafty-cyclist?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn0sJ0HP3-5grLxTXuLqo600gFRib6RJ6s2s6QEKVa9h4j0-founA60E1ugnY_aem_fmiMKJ_uXJ8a113CMivD0g] page here.

Episode 7: Hector Cole

Episode 7: Hector Cole MBE — The Arrow-Maker In this episode, I talk to blacksmith and historical metals specialist Hector Cole MBE about the ancient craft of making arrowheads. Working from his forge near Malmesbury, Hector combines practical skill with the curiosity of an archaeologist — recreating Saxon and medieval designs using traditional tools, fuels, and techniques. His work reveals how early smiths experimented with materials, layering soft and hard metals to create strength, flexibility, and a lasting edge. I also reflect on the morning of Day Six of my ride: setting off freshly rested from my parents’ home in Wiltshire, climbing the gentler hills towards Malmesbury, and spending time in Hector’s workshop watching those centuries-old skills brought vividly back to life. Links See the visual journey on Instagram: @crafty_cyclist [https://www.instagram.com/crafty_cyclist/] Find out more about Hector Cole MBE [https://www.instagram.com/hectorcoleironwork/] and his work through the Heritage Crafts Directory [https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/craft/arrowsmithing/] Discover more about endangered crafts at Heritage Crafts [https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/] — and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate via my JustGiving [https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/crafty-cyclist?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae3xbOFSuWenv08A-LD14SjwjzEwEG-P97QV7mNSsOCwFCsYb0w0LhHtG4kpQ_aem_RG_8q5j2cOlQY5vuguz3dw] page

Episode 6: Gary Woodhouse

In this episode, I talk to steel frame builder Gary Woodhouse about the craft of making lightweight, hand-built bicycles. Gary explains how butted steel tubing, simple but ingenious tools, and a highly personal design process come together to create Curtis bikes built for life. I also reflect on Day Six of my ride: leaving the Devon hills behind, flying through Somerset with a tailwind, and arriving at my parents’ home in Wiltshire — where a post-it note, a cold beer, and a treasured Ercol table combined for a colourful turn for the worse. Links See the visual journey on Instagram: @crafty_cyclist [https://www.instagram.com/crafty_cyclist/] Click on this link [https://www.instagram.com/curtisbikes/] to see more of ⁠⁠Gary’s work with Curtis Bikes on Instagram⁠⁠ Visit the ⁠⁠Curtis Cycles [https://www.curtisbikes.co.uk/] website⁠⁠ to learn more Discover more about endangered crafts at ⁠⁠Heritage Crafts [https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/]⁠⁠ — and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate via my ⁠⁠JustGiving [https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/crafty-cyclist?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeWdRC5aam4chcd8qsNgtNvIs3_VX6SgxMYqp9GbgjdmtKu7gEIA7OQwxiBsw_aem_V8B2htUh9RskL9cj96yQkQ]⁠⁠ page

Episode 5: Greg Rowland

In this episode, I talk to wheelwright Greg Rowland about the craft of making traditional wooden wheels. Greg explains why different timbers are chosen for different parts of the wheel — elm for hubs, oak for spokes, ash for fellies — and how fire and iron are used to shrink-fit the tyre that locks everything together. We also explore the hidden geometry of a twelve-spoke wheel, and what it means to “cut for your grandchildren” when elm may take fifty years to season. I also reflect on Day Four of my ride: cycling across South Devon over steep, sharp hills, taking my first fall of the journey, and dealing with a frayed gear cable that had to be fixed roadside. The day finished in Axminster, with omelettes, local craft cider, and the realisation that it was time to start heading north in earnest. Links See the visual journey on Instagram: @crafty_cyclist Click on this link to see more of ⁠⁠Greg’s work on Instagram⁠⁠ Discover more about endangered crafts at ⁠⁠Heritage Crafts⁠⁠ — and, if you’d like to support their work, you can donate via my ⁠⁠JustGiving⁠⁠ page