A few years ago I was in conversation with Steven regarding a prototype landing net he had made which followed the original Walker plans. Steven had made three of these nets in total and as luck would have it he had one remaining. We arranged a convenient time to meet and within a matter of days I set off up to Ashbourne in Derbyshire. The meeting would take place at his works-cum tackle shop which was well hidden behind the main centre of this picturesque dales town.
Steven of course is well known for his work with Fosters of Ashbourne and latterly he produces exquisite rod builds which are focussed primarily toward private client bespoke fly rods.
Once inside and beyond the particularly unassuming shop front one is immediately overwhelmed by cane, it’s everywhere and in various forms and states – vintage, in process, newly built and awaiting collection. I eventually found him hidden behind a stacked countertop studiously working away.
Steven is a craftsmen cast from the mould of a bygone rod building tradition. It seemed to me he does what he does for the sheer love and joy of his art.
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Pallenpool – North Norfolk June 2022
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