Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this week’s Turner’s Journey, Martin leaves the workshop behind for a day in London — trading shavings and sanding dust for city noise, art, and inspiration.
From galleries and design shops to a few unexpected detours, it’s a refreshing change of pace and a reminder that creativity doesn’t just happen at the lathe.
⏱️ Key Moments
00:00 – Opening music and introduction
00:15 – Martin welcomes viewers and talks about taking a much-needed break from the workshop
00:35 – Early morning drive to the station — coffee in hand, heading to London for the day
00:55 – Train journey reflections: “Sometimes you have to step away to refill the creative tank.”
01:25 – Arriving in the city — first impressions and thoughts on finding inspiration outside the studio
01:50 – Walking through the streets, spotting interesting architecture and design details
02:15 – A visit to an art and design exhibition, drawing parallels between form, balance, and turning
02:45 – Exploring textures, materials, and how they influence creative ideas back in the workshop
03:10 – Coffee break chat — reflecting on the importance of rest, rhythm, and perspective
03:45 – Strolling along the Thames, camera in hand — a peaceful pause in the middle of the city rush
04:15 – Stopping at a gallery gift shop — talking about handmade work, design, and craftsmanship
04:45 – Reflecting on how seeing other artists’ work helps shape his own approach to turning
05:20 – Lunch stop — people-watching, sketchbook out, ideas flowing again
05:55 – Afternoon wander through London’s side streets and markets
06:25 – Picking up a few design books and small items for future inspiration
06:55 – Train ride home — quiet reflections on the day and how small breaks fuel big ideas
07:25 – Back home in the evening: unpacking, making notes, and planning what’s next in the workshop
07:55 – Closing thoughts: “Sometimes the best way to move forward creatively is to simply step away for a bit.”
08:15 – Outro and music
Episode 20 is something different — a slower, more reflective look at where creativity comes from.
By swapping sawdust for city streets, Martin finds new inspiration and a fresh sense of perspective for the work ahead.
It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t confined to the workshop — it’s everywhere, waiting to be noticed.
**** Buy the Woodturning Form and Formula Book ****
Signed Copies: msabansmith.com
Your Local Amazon Store:
Softback: Search for ASIN 1068358106
Hardback: Search for ASIN 1068358114
📍 Workshop Location: Four Marks, Hampshire (next to South Downs National Park)
🔔 Subscribe for weekly woodturning content
👍 Like if this helped your turning journey
My Website and Mailing List: msabansmith.com
My Social Links:
Facebook:
📍Me: facebook.com/msabansmith
📍Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool
📍Club: facebook.com/woodturning360
Instagram:
📍Me: instagram.com/msabansmith
📍School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool
#Woodturning #WoodLathe #Woodworker #Hampshire #ProfessionalTurner
The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015-2025. All rights reserved.
In this week’s Turner’s Journey, Martin leaves the workshop behind for a day in London — trading shavings and sanding dust for city noise, art, and inspiration.
From galleries and design shops to a few unexpected detours, it’s a refreshing change of pace and a reminder that creativity doesn’t just happen at the lathe.
⏱️ Key Moments
00:00 – Opening music and introduction
00:15 – Martin welcomes viewers and talks about taking a much-needed break from the workshop
00:35 – Early morning drive to the station — coffee in hand, heading to London for the day
00:55 – Train journey reflections: “Sometimes you have to step away to refill the creative tank.”
01:25 – Arriving in the city — first impressions and thoughts on finding inspiration outside the studio
01:50 – Walking through the streets, spotting interesting architecture and design details
02:15 – A visit to an art and design exhibition, drawing parallels between form, balance, and turning
02:45 – Exploring textures, materials, and how they influence creative ideas back in the workshop
03:10 – Coffee break chat — reflecting on the importance of rest, rhythm, and perspective
03:45 – Strolling along the Thames, camera in hand — a peaceful pause in the middle of the city rush
04:15 – Stopping at a gallery gift shop — talking about handmade work, design, and craftsmanship
04:45 – Reflecting on how seeing other artists’ work helps shape his own approach to turning
05:20 – Lunch stop — people-watching, sketchbook out, ideas flowing again
05:55 – Afternoon wander through London’s side streets and markets
06:25 – Picking up a few design books and small items for future inspiration
06:55 – Train ride home — quiet reflections on the day and how small breaks fuel big ideas
07:25 – Back home in the evening: unpacking, making notes, and planning what’s next in the workshop
07:55 – Closing thoughts: “Sometimes the best way to move forward creatively is to simply step away for a bit.”
08:15 – Outro and music
Episode 20 is something different — a slower, more reflective look at where creativity comes from.
By swapping sawdust for city streets, Martin finds new inspiration and a fresh sense of perspective for the work ahead.
It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t confined to the workshop — it’s everywhere, waiting to be noticed.
**** Buy the Woodturning Form and Formula Book ****
Signed Copies: msabansmith.com
Your Local Amazon Store:
Softback: Search for ASIN 1068358106
Hardback: Search for ASIN 1068358114
📍 Workshop Location: Four Marks, Hampshire (next to South Downs National Park)
🔔 Subscribe for weekly woodturning content
👍 Like if this helped your turning journey
My Website and Mailing List: msabansmith.com
My Social Links:
Facebook:
📍Me: facebook.com/msabansmith
📍Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool
📍Club: facebook.com/woodturning360
Instagram:
📍Me: instagram.com/msabansmith
📍School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool
#Woodturning #WoodLathe #Woodworker #Hampshire #ProfessionalTurner
The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015-2025. All rights reserved.
