Jim Partridge, born in Leeds studied at the John Makepeace School for Craftsmen in Wood (1977-79) then became a Fellow in Wood, Alsager College of Higher Education (1983-4).
He was the first Craftsman in Residence at Grizedale Forest, Cumbria (1986-7) and then in 1988 established partnership with Liz Walmsley to work on site-specific projects and some larger pieces of furniture.
The pair have been developing the craft of wood carving over the last 30 years. They uses unseasoned green timber, chain saws and blow torches to create his highly distinctive sculptural and tactile work. Their particular trademark is the scorching and waxing of wood, which emphasises the texture of the grain.
Jim Partridge has also worked on a number of environmental projects such as bridges and hillside shelters. Partridge's skill lies in his innovative, versatile and playful approach to his craft and his innate understanding of the material's potential. He is also interested in function, intending all of his pieces to be used.
In 2019 their work was selected as one of 29 finalists from a field of over 2,500 international entries for the Loewe Craft Prize and exhibited in Tokyo, Japan.
Then in 2021, Loewe commissioned a scorched oak bench for their new flagship store in California.
Jim Partridge has an established reputation for his vessels. His work has been shortlisted for the Jerwood Applied Arts Award, furniture prize twice and toured with the Crafts Council in 1999 & 2004.
Jim Partridge & Liz Walmsley have worked on many public projects including: Grizedale Forest; The Chiltern Sculpture Trail; Common Ground; Kielder Forest; The Quay Arts Centre, Isle of Wight; The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal; Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. “Qube” gallery, Oswestry; Compton Verney Arts Trust; RHS Wisley; Clare College & Girton College, Cambridge; The Ann Sutton Foundation, Arundel .
Public collections with Jim Partridge & Liz Walmsley's work include: The Crafts Council; Contemporary Arts Society; The Victoria and Albert Museum; Manchester Art Gallery; The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge; The British Council; Kyoto Museum of Modern Art, Japan; Boston Museum of Fine Art, USA; The Mint Museum of Craft and Design, Charlotte, USA.