Genuine Jersey member Martin Cotillard has been accepted onto the prestigious Register of Turners, joining a select group of master craftsmen.
The Register is composed of turners who offer a service of professional quality to the public, and whose work, prior to admission, has been approved by competent assessors as being of good quality.
Turners who are accepted on the Register will be awarded a certificate and may use the letters RPT (Registered Professional Turner) after their name. They can also include the Register’s logo on their stationery and can refer to being on the Register of Professional Turners, which is supported by the Worshipful Company of Turners of London, one of the oldest Livery Companies in the City.
Martin said: “It is an incredible honour to have my work recognised and a great way to carry my business and name further - this is by far the largest accolade I have ever received. I am one of only two wood turners on the Register in Jersey, the other being Mick Renouf, who taught me how to turn.
“The process to join the Registry was not easy, and included an assessor flying over to Jersey on Liberation Day to interview me, review my work and report back on my competency as a woodturner. This is not just about being skilled but also about your approach to the wood and your confidence in working with the material.”
Martin began woodturning in 1996 when he was working as a firefighter. He went on to turn in New Zealand, UK and France before returning to Jersey. Martin, who describes woodturning as a spiritual skill, turned his hobby to a full-time business in 2011 with the help and support of Genuine Jersey. Being on the Register will provide him with new business opportunities and his details will be included on the Register’s website.
As well as exhibiting at the Harbour Gallery in St Aubin, Martin sells his work at Jane James' outlets and La Mare Vineyard, but is also available for private commissions.
John Garton, Chief Executive of Genuine Jersey, said: “The association has an incredible amount of talent and this is clearly evident with this fantastic accolade for Martin. I urge people to look out for the distinctive red Genuine Jersey logo on produce and crafts because it really is a hallmark of high quality.”
