Who we are
John Mallett Studios: Where Craftsmanship Meets Creativity
At John Mallett Studios, we blend craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation to craft pieces that tell a story. My journey began in homebuilding, where I developed a profound appreciation for structure and design. Over time, I transitioned into the fine arts of blacksmithing and carpentry, disciplines that instilled in me a deep respect for precision, durability, and the beauty of handcrafted work.
With a degree in Fine Art and extensive experience as a sculptor, I bring an artist’s vision to every project. One of my favorite materials is Jesmonite—a versatile, eco-friendly composite. Jesmonite’s adaptability allows for bold, intricate designs, making it ideal for creating vibrant, functional pieces that stand out.
Bronze casting is another cornerstone of my practice. This timeless technique enables me to create enduring, intricate works that marry strength with artistry. From the initial wax model to the final polished piece, bronze casting demands patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the material. Each bronze creation carries its own unique character, combining timeless elegance with a contemporary flair.
Every piece I create reflects the harmony of artistry and craftsmanship. From small decorative accents to bespoke commissions, I bring visions to life with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for design. My goal is to create works that transform spaces and forge meaningful connections with those who encounter them.
John Mallett Studios: Where the precision of a maker meets the creativity of an artist.
Journals
My journey into creating has been a natural evolution of my lifelong connection to materials, craftsmanship, and the natural world. Growing up along the North Norfolk coastline, I was always surrounded by the rugged beauty of nature, shifting sands, and the ever-moving water. This environment instilled in me a deep appreciation for the elements and the way they shape our surroundings.
From an early age, I was introduced to tools and craftsmanship by my grandfather, spending countless hours in his shed as he showed me how different tools worked. One of my earliest memories of being ambitious in making was asking my grandfather if I could build a full-sized Spitfire out of wood. His hilarious response still makes me smile, and while I never built that plane, it sparked a lifelong desire to create and push the limits of what was possible. Those early lessons sparked my fascination with making and repairing things, laying the foundation for my lifelong passion for working with materials. The memories of working with hand tools with my grandfather still resound with me to this day. I was lucky enough to show him the house I had built for myself in my mid-20s before he passed away, a moment that meant a great deal to us both .
My early career was rooted in building homes, where I developed an understanding of structure, form, and the balance between function and aesthetics. A significant part of this period was my involvement in heritage restoration projects across North Norfolk. I worked on restoring period properties, carefully preserving traditional architectural elements while incorporating modern techniques to ensure their longevity. These projects deepened my respect for historical craftsmanship and fuelled my passion for working with enduring materials.
Growing up on the North Norfolk coast, water has always been more than a setting — it’s been a companion, a rhythm, a constant presence. From childhood days spent sailing open waters, to the silence of diving beneath the surface, I’ve always felt that water speaks in a language beyond words.
There’s a certain kind of stillness I only ever found underwater — that deep, muffled quiet where your heartbeat and breath become part of the soundscape. It’s the same kind of meditative peace I feel when I’m high in the mountains, listening to a narrow stream carve its path through stone.
With my water features, I try to bring those sensations home. Each piece is shaped not only by hand and material, but by memory — the echo of a mountain stream, the lull of waves against a dock, the sudden rush of water over a waterfall. Jesmonite gives me the freedom to sculpt textures that catch the light like wet rock or sea-polished stone, and the durability to let water dance across them for years to come.
Installing a water wall or feature in your garden isn’t just a design choice. It’s an invitation — to pause, to listen, to remember. It’s a way of bringing that elemental, life-giving presence into your own space. A thread between worlds: wild and domestic, natural and crafted, external and internal.
Whether you hear a mountain stream, a breaking wave, or just the hush of a calm morning paddle, my hope is that these pieces reconnect you to your own stories with water — and inspire new ones.
