A lecturer and master craftsmen who has helped to inspire generations of students has retired after a career spanning 39 years.

Bevan Guy, 67, is one of the few skilled craftsmen of his kind in the country and retired from his post as upholstery and furniture craft lecturer at Burnley College at the end of August.

Bevan is a traditional upholsterer and known as ‘The Master’ for his in depth knowledge about the history of furniture.

He took up the profession after leaving High School in Todmorden, the town where he was born, before moving to Burnley.

He started his apprenticeship at Vale Upholstery. Recognising his talent, his family chose to self-fund him so he could attend the Manchester College of Building where he picked up further Higher Qualifications.

He then went on to work with upholsterers in Hebden Bridge, and then produced unique furniture which was sold to customers both in the UK and the world.

During his time at Manchester College, his tutor Viv Powell recognised Bevan as having exceptional natural talent and dedication to his future profession he recommended him for a special award for his outstanding performances and achievements.

When Viv, who was also recognised as master craftsman was appointed as programme leader in the furniture section at Burnley College, he recommended Bevan.

He would later move into a position of curriculum manager in the construction section of the college. In recent years he reduced his hours at the college.

He said: “I have always taken great pride in making sure everyone I taught or dealt with achieved their utmost potential, knowing that not everyone is necessarily academic, but may have a talent to succeed given the opportunity.

“It is always about sharing your own skills in order for others to achieve.

“I was keen to work with young people of all abilities in order for them to recognise their own abilities and succeed in Life.

“Many now run their own successful businesses in other part of the world and regularly keep touch with me.”

Bevan has been called upon to mend old machinery and restore some pieces that were destined for the scrap heap.

He was an external assessor for the City and Guilds in the North of England and together with colleagues worked  with  businesses to oversee apprenticeships in both upholstery and furniture craft.

He had a consultancy role working with the prison service up until a few years ago and organised annual exhibitions of students work for many years both in Townley Hall and Manchester.

Bevan said: “There are so many talented professionals who have trained and have produced amazing furniture in this country.

“One needs to understand that in order for the trade to succeed and thrive one needs to buy less furniture from other countries.

“Hopefully, this new government will recognise the importance of training apprentices to as higher standard but at the same time create an environment where lecturers are encouraged to impart their own skills and knowledge in their own particular trade.

“Many have now left their roles around the country leaving quite a depleted workforce in many of the trades that we as a nation used to be recognised for.”