Born in 1968 in Bath. Studied art foundation at Bath and took Honours Degree at Edinburgh College of Art in 2001, my main subject being Furniture Design and second subject was Cabinet Making. Also, a large part of my study was Woven Textiles.

Since college, I worked for several furniture designer/makers before setting up my own business at the Manchester Craft Centre from 1993 until 1997, where I developed a range of wooden gift items. These are made from solid wood which use the sculptural form to show off the beautiful grains of British and European hardwoods.

After moving to the Netherlands, I have carried on developing those items and making larger pieces of furniture to commission. Also, my interest in weaving has returned with a desire to combine it with the wood which has resulted in a chess set with a woven board which will be exhibited at this years Bear Flat Artists.

I have exhibited with the Bear Flat Artists alongside my mother Pat Toplis since 2004 which keeps me connected with the British craft scene which I have grown to appreciate since moving away for its amazing uniqueness.