Nick Agar - Head Judge
(Professional Turner)

Nick is well known worldwide for his work, and has taught and demonstrated in Australia, South Africa, Canada, America and across Europe. His large-scale, multi-textured turned wood sculptures have earned him a reputation for producing highly individual and beautifully crafted art. Having worked with wood for more than 25 years, he has a great understanding of his medium. Inspired by organic forms, pottery and his natural surroundings, Nick specialises in hollow forms, large diameter work and surface enhancement. He is famous for his wall sculptures. His award-winning work often incorporates carving, weaving and metalwork. Nick runs woodturning courses at his riverside studio in Devon and is also a tutor at the Axminster Skill Centre.

In addition to exhibiting widely, tutoring and appearing at international conferences both as a demonstrator and a judge, Nick is in constant demand for commissions from collectors and galleries. His range of clients includes HRH Price of Wales and the royal jewellers, Aspreys. Pieces of Nick's work, including his signature wall sculptures, have been featured on both the BBC and ITV.

Nick has taken part in Strictly Woodturning in 2009 and 2010. On both occasions he was runner-up in the event's competition. At the 2012 competition he will be sat on the other side of the table in the role of head judge and we are all looking forward to seeing how he judges his former rivals.

Tom Galvin
(Product Co-ordinator & Tutor,
Axminster Tool Centre)

Predominantly with a metal working background, Tom works within product development and as an engineering tutor in the Skill Centre, where he has found a new appreciation of woodturning since working alongside Jason and Colwin. He can now tell the difference between a wooden goblet and a wooden bowl!

Tom has a keen interest in writing and rugby, having retired from the sport last year to concentrate on the more social aspects of the game.

Martin Brown
(Re-sale Director,
BriMarc Tools & Machinery)

Martin has been involved in the tools industry since 1988, when he set up a business with his family, operating initially from a bedroom and lock-up garage.

He has been associated with woodturning since 1990, working with some of the biggest (and smallest) names, including Tormek and Rolly Munro. One of Martin's most influential experiences was a day spent watching Stuart Mortimer at work; Martin has also been fortunate to work with Les Thorne and Phil Irons in both a professional and personal capacity. He has seen first hand how all-consuming it can be to make woodturning a full-time profession. Martin is now Re-Sale Director of BriMarc Tools & Machinery (part of ATC Ltd).

On a more personal note, Martin is a keen live music fan and compèred a recent festival, and father of two teenage daughters.

Alan Jones
(Specialist Sales Adviser,
Axminster Tool Centre)

Although Alan's roots are found to the north in Scotland, he has been with Axminster Tool Centre for 18 years. During this time he has held a number of positions including Store Manager, Technical Team Leader and is currently a member of the Specialist Sales Team. He has also taken on the role of Stand Manager when representing the company at national shows and exhibitions. Having been involved with numerous woodworking shows since joining the company, Alan actually knows many of the woodturners and just how much pride they take in their work. "So judging this competition will be a great privilege" he says.

Outside of work, Alan's main interest is playing golf.