Jeff Soan

Jeff studied Art and Design at Goldsmith's College in the late 60's, taught for a few years, travelled for a while, married, started a family and a building business during the 70's. He gave up building in the mid 80's when his knees, back and some clients started troubling him.

A chance encounter with a wobbly rat from Chile changed his life. He was so inspired by this articulating folk toy that he joined a course in toymaking at the London College of Furniture, successfully completing the City and Guilds course. He set up his garden workshop in 1987, making toys which were sold at the local craft market in Greenwich. After a year of selling many new designs he eventually returned to the articulating creatures that had so fascinated him. A batch of wobbly fish being snapped up by eager customers caught the eye of a passing TV producer and he was invited to take part in a BBC programme called 'Handmade'. Sales really took off and he started developing many different creatures incorporating the technique.

Jeff joined the British Toymakers Guild (BTG) in 1989. His distinctive talent was quickly recognised and he was awarded the Polka Prize in 1989, the coveted title " Toymaker of the Year" in 1995 and 2000 and the Guild cup in 1990, 1993,1994,1995 and 1999. He was also winner of the Longleat Cup in 2000.

The turning point in his career, however, came with his successful application in 1991, into The Chelsea Craft Fair, organised by the Crafts Council This prestigous show attracts the cream of the craft world, national and international buyers and a large appreciative public.

Since the outset there has been so much work that Jeff has required help in the workshop. He has been fortunate to have found many willing, able and talented assistants but none more exceptional than Julia Darke who joined him in 1991 and remains to this day.