News | Joey Richardson

As Master of The Worshipful Company of Turners, Joey is delighted to be championing and promoting the craft of woodturning, celebrating the City and advancing the charitable work of this ancient Livery Company.

AWGB President 2022/26

As President of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB), Joey was honoured to lead such a vibrant and committed community. During her time in office, she championed the craft, inspired makers of all levels, and helped guide the organisation forward.

Now serving as Master of the Turners’ Company, she continues to support the AWGB and works closely with the organisation in a spirit of harmony and collaboration, helping to promote an inclusive and thriving future for woodturning.

Royal Maundy Wands – A Royal Commission in Wood

It was an extraordinary privilege to create eight new Maundy Wands for the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, objects that will become part of Britain’s living history.

The commission grew from Royal Warrant Holder Nick Farrow’s earlier work on the Processional Cross presented to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee. During my subsequent visits to the Chapel Royal to , the opportunity arose to create a new set of eight Maundy Wands, and I was honoured to bring together an exceptional team of craftsmen: Simon Hope, Nick Farrow and Mick Hanbury.

Each wand was turned and finished from wind-felled Royal Sandringham oak from His Majesty The King’s estate, combining traditional woodturning with precision engineering and silversmithing. Simon Hope created the intricate engineering and engraved the solid silver Maundy ships, while Mick and I shaped and finished the oak components. Simon also designed and made a beautiful presentation case from the same Royal oak.

The finished wands were formally blessed in the Queen’s Chapel — a deeply moving moment after months of craftsmanship and collaboration. To see them enter the life of the Chapel Royal, knowing they will be carried during Royal Maundy ceremonies for generations to come, was an honour we will never forget.

The project was made possible through the generous support of members of the Worshipful Company of Turners, whose contributions also funded commemorative books and a bespoke display cabinet for the Chapel Royal.

For me, this commission represents everything I love about our craft: skill, tradition, collaboration and the opportunity to create something that will outlive us.