David Springett, Rugby, Warwickshire, England

It is with much sadness that the Springett family announce the sudden and unexpected passing of David Springett on April 3, 2022. David's illustrious career in woodturning, spanning over 40 years, left an impression on so many within the lace making community, and we are thankful to you for the outpouring of condolences we have received.

As a family, we are devastated, and adjusting to a life without David's sharp wit and unending kindness is not something we look forward to.

Details of the funeral will be announced in due course. For those wishing to make a donation in David's memory, can we suggest that contributions be made to the British Heart Foundation.

Robin Krats (son)

In Memoriam: David Springett, 1948-2022

British woodturner David Springett, known for his inventive creations and intriguing books (Woodturning Wizardry, Woodturning Full Circle, Woodturning Magic, and, with Nick Agar, Woodturning Evolution), passed away unexpectedly April 3, 2022.

Researching complex woodturning works is a passion of mine, and the man who inspired me in this was David Springett. His book, Woodturning Wizardry, turned my idea of the art of turnery upside down. He made special devices and jigs for elliptical turning, “twisted” boxes, ornamental work, spoons, split-turning, streptohedrons, and other complex items—many of which have been featured in American Woodturner. His creations solve conundrums and demonstrate that the capabilities of the lathe are endless.

I was fortunate enough to be able to visit David at his home shortly before his death. I learned that he became engrossed with turnery many years ago, when he decided to make bobbins for his wife Christine’s lacemaking. From there, his passion for woodturning only grew, and over the years, David taught master classes in England, Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

I could tell that David’s curious spirit was all around his workshop. The shelves were sagging under the weight of his collection of rejects and experiments, blueprints and illustrations, photos, projects, and self-made contraptions. Interestingly, David approached complex projects simply: he felt that any jig or tool can be made using plywood and readily available supplies, without the use of complex machines.

—Konstantin Gusev