Before becoming self employed in January 2003 Michael worked for Linford Bridgeman, an architectural and ecclesiastical company specialising in the traditional crafts of wood and stone carving. He achieved the position of Master Carver and Head Of Department.
He studied at the European School for craftsmen at San Servolo, Venice and in 1994 after a considerable and lengthy selection process was elected as a member into the Royal Society of British Sculptors whose patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1988 he became a fellow of the William Morris Fellowship which is organised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (S.P.A.B.) and in 1991 presented his carved bust of William Morris to Her Royal Highness the Queen Mother who was patron of the Fellowship.
He has worked on Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, the Palace of Westminster and many National Trust buildings. During 1997 Michael supervised a team of carvers to work on the fire damage at Windsor Castle. His work was acknowledged by Her Majesty the Queen with a personal letter of thanks and a specially commissioned medal.

In February 2001 Michael was elected into the Worshipful Guild of Smiths who have been in existence since 1601.

Michael has been teaching wood and stone carving for over 15 years and holds wood carving courses at his studio in Canwell. He also tutors a 3 year HE Certificate course in woodcarving at Birmingham University and a City and Guilds course at Dudley College.

Mike with self portrait.

To contact Mike Painter for information on commissions, projects or teaching
please Telephone: 01827 830133 or Email: info@mikepainter.co.uk