Peter Kuh
I love teaching woodwork and particularly enjoy teaching beginners. I introduce my projects with a short theory session so that students understand the way that solid timber behaves and the way that this influences construction techniques. The finished project is shown to students at the beginning of each project so that they can see the goal. The sharpening and use of each tool is demonstrated followed by student practice. The cutting of each joint is demonstrated followed again by student practice before working on the timber for the final product.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?The projects that I teach at West Dean primarily use traditional cabinetmaking joinery using handtools. My projects include the use of standard cutting and measuring tools, setting up and sharpening. The emphasis is on using the tools; achieving high standards in setting them up or in sharpening takes much more time than is available in a short course. My projects enable almost all students to complete their project unless their goal is to master a specific process within the project.
What inspires your own work?I like to design and make things that have clean simple lines, that are well-crafted and will last a very long time. It is essential that they are fit for purpose!
Where can students see examples of your work?See my website.
Where did you gain your training?
I did 4 years of workshop training in the US and UK between 1972 and 1975 in the workshops of Charles Webb, Simon Watts and Alan Peters. This was followed by 10 years of self-employment as a furniture designer/maker at Otterton Mill in East Devon.
Teaching experience:I taught furniture designing and making at Rycotewood College from 1986 – 2004. My current employment is at Milton Keynes College where I help develop teaching skills. I have a Certificate in Education (FE) and an MA in Education Management. I have taught at West Dean since 2005.
Is your work in any public or private collections?While self-employed I worked to commission and exhibited at a range of galleries and was a member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and Society of Designer Craftsmen.
Books and articles:I have had photographs of my work published in several books and magazines. I have written articles in various woodworking magazines.
Professional groups and societies: