What time would you have liked to have lived and why ?

Any speculation about the past has to be romantic. I wouldn't fancy having bad teeth a hundred years ago, but if I could take my router back to Chippendale's day I would probably enjoy better patronage for my work.
Today we have unprecendented choice to use modern technology alongside old methods. The best work of today rivals anything of the past so I think I would stay put.

What is your favourite style of furniture ?

No particular one. Twentieth Century Scandinavian wood laminating (Alvar Aalto) inspires me for its intelligent and economic use of material.

The Art Nouveau period grabs my attention as being exciting and adventurous. The Arts and Crafts Movement is also fairly close to my own work.

Which woodworking skills would you like to improve ?

Possibly veneering. I have been capable of technically advanced work for many years since gaining a distinction at Shoreditch College in 1963. I have learned to combine speed with accuracy, but perhaps I would like to enjoy the luxury of having more time to spend on each piece. Unfortunately economics dictate when you are trying to make a living at it.

What other skills would you like to have ?

In my youth I enjoyed competition gymnastics and athletics. I have taught myself guitar and keyboards. I would like to be a good busker as the pleasure is instantly shared. I did it recently with a friend and we earned £3.15 in an hour.

When are you happiest ?

Totally absorbed in my workshop, often after a big tidy up when I can begin to think straight, working on a new design, solving problems, getting results.

When are you most frustrated ?

When I stop to think how biased we are against 'modern' design in Britain (this was written in 1995) yet we like to drive state of the art cars. When a major project goes on and on. I am actually an impatient craftsman and always feel any job should take a certain time. I am not one for giving up easily but occasionally you can back the wrong horse and if a new design isn't working I will bin it and start afresh. Life is too short.

What plans do you have for the future ?

Perhaps one day I will get the opportunity to present a television series.

Have you any tips for woodworkers ?

Apart from planning the stages of each project and ensuring each stage has been accurately executed (as mistakes will compound), my priority tips are :
Always work to a line
Always shade waste 
Use code marks to identify parts
Check, check and check again
Cut straight off the saw.

I would constantly ask - am  I doing this the most efficient way ?