Since 2016 I have been working with the gardening team on metalwork projects for the walled garden and nuttery,

I normally start with a few simple sketches of various styles which I show to Tina (head gardener). We discuss the drawings and take different details that are brought together for a final design. The process of making larger pieces begins with the structure, which must work for the situation.   I then add the forged decorative details like leaves and creatures.

 I always need to think about how the structure will be built on site and how it can be transported. I mostly work with steel which is then galvanised. This process involves the whole artwork being dipped in molten zinc which completely covers the piece for a decorative and protective finish. This has limitations as all parts must be able to fit in the galvanising tank!

  I can be a bit freer with smaller designs, although they still must be practical for where they will be situated. I like to include “wild” features like overgrown branches, but make sure people won’t be impaled on stray spiky leaves.

My larger pieces, like the gazebo, can take up to 6 weeks to make, where smaller items, like the mushrooms may only take a day.

Over the years of making artwork for the walled garden at Felbrigg I have found a style that complements the gardens plants and layout,” structure with wild decorative details”.

My private commissions are usually single items, but at Felbrigg, I can make pieces that are more of an installation that fits in with its surroundings.

I hope that visitors to the walled garden will enjoy the artwork as something that is fun and unique to Felbrigg.  One of my favourite pieces that I have worked on is the fencing around the pond. This involved making various plants and creatures like dragonflies, pond skaters and frogs on lily pads. I like it when I hear people pointing out that they have spotted a Kingfisher or a newt. I also enjoyed making the Bacchus figure which I scaled, at the time, to my 10-year-old son. He is now about a foot taller.

  Most pieces have small details like a dormouse or a snail that you should look out for!