About Mike Dean

Mike Dean is a self-taught craftsman whose career, spanning over 30 years, started humbly with a rabbit hutch he made with his father. He has since become a sought-after artist, proudly securing commissions from notable figures including Elton John, Nick Faldo, Anthea Turner, Dennis Taylor, and Tommy Walsh (from Ground Force fame).

Mike is known for creating bespoke pieces. For instance, he custom-designed unique staircase spindles for Tommy Walsh by combining two different patterns.

Another piece Mike holds in high regard is a 3-foot bowl now exhibited at the famous London restaurant, La Tante Claire. This bowl has a unique twisted and buckled shape because it was intentionally worked on while the wood was still wet.

His work has also served as a distinguished gift; he crafted a large handmade stand featuring a decanter and six wooden goblets, which was presented to the Reverend Dr. Canaan Banana of Zimbabwe.

Mike’s craftsmanship has been formally recognised with several awards, demonstrating his skill in the field. In the 1995 British Gates and Timber Woodturning competition, he was awarded both First and Second Place. He went on to win Third Place at the 1996 Practical Wood turning Show at Wembley and secured Second Place one year later at the Good Woodworking Show at Alexandra Palace.