Derek Slater ‘Fishman, Lizardman’
Derek trained and worked with Alan Grainger ‘Acornman’ for six years before establishing his own Woodworkers of Crayke business, initially adopting a fish carving as his signature. Later he moved to larger premises in Crayke and reprised the lizard carving as his signature, previously used by ex Mouseman craftsman Martin Dutton. The lizard carvings are different, but we find they are frequently confused.
Derek’s work shows clear evidence of the Thompson tradition in the use of solid oak, adzed surfaces, wrought iron fittings, together with some design influences from his training at Acorn Industries with Alan Grainger.
Like all the craftsmen, the quality of his work is very high, and he’s undertaken many commissions, including work in Windsor Castle.
