Walter Hall is his nibs
Retired accountant Walter Hall, who lives at Gloster Park, took up wood turning as a hobby over 20 years ago when working for the NHS. Now retired from full time employment he makes high quality pens and other writing instruments from wood and acrylic materials.
Walter sells his pens through The Chantry Tourist Information Centre in Morpeth and a photographic gallery of his work which ranges from simple ballpoint pens to top of the range fountain pens can also be seen on his website. Writing instruments can be made to commission and Walter can be contacted through the website.
Walter uses many types of wood in his work, ranging from locally sourced material to exotic tropical timbers like rosewood, padauk, and amboyna.
All of his timber supplies are obtained from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited sources or are reclaimed. He has even used teak and mahogany recovered from dismantled sailing boats.
The metal components he uses are of the highest quality and plated with a variety of finishes including titanium, platinum, gunmetal and gold.
Many of the parts are imported from specialist suppliers from as far away as USA and Australia to ensure that each writing instrument is truly individual.
Pen making is a fascinating hobby and is popular with woodturners all over the world.
As well as making his own pens Walter has written a book to help other woodturners with an interest in developing the skills needed. “Pen and Pencil Projects a Guide for Woodturners” is published by GMC publications.
When he is not busy making or writing about pens Walter also writes equipment reviews and technical articles for “Woodturning” and “Woodworking Plans and Projects” magazines and is a moderator on the Woodworker’s Institute Internet Forum.
