Trained as a coach painter in the 60's he became a full time painter, sign-writer and decorator of traditional canal boats in the early 80's. Since then he has earned an enviable reputation as a canal professional – not only as a skilled and dedicated painter but also as a teacher of the traditional skills he cares for and studies so passionately. He has trained a number of outstanding modern boat decorators and painters among them John Sanderson (to whom he passed his boat painting business in 2009) and Meg Gregory (website “Scribe”) – a dear friend and the best of his apprentices.

In the last few years Phil has periodically worked away from the canals, painting the occasional car, steam engine and even a very splendid tattoo shop – so anyone who needs something painted in an authentically traditional way, don't worry if it isn't a boat! He even appeared on “Pimp My Ride” for goodness' sake. See his Coach Painting page.

Phil created Craftmaster Paints Ltd and Phil was Managing Director until 2009 while continuing his work as a painter. He now serves as a technical consultant for Craftmaster and the company's customers at need. He held the highest level of Accreditation in The Waterways Craft Guild as a Boat-painter, Decorator and Signwriter.

*Work on Gifford illustrated above could not have been completed on time without the highly skilled assistance of Meg Gregory and John Moore.

PAINTING COURSES

Phil has run training courses in traditional painting for many years and many hundreds of people have, over that time, gained valuable practical knowledge, a grasp of the historic significance of boat decoration and had a good time doing so – despite Phil's selection of appalling bear jokes.

Courses at Bollington Wharf

How to Paint a Boat with Phil Speight
11th -12th August
At this two day course master craftsman and boat painter Phil Speight will demonstrate the techniques you need to paint your boat from bare metal to beautiful shiny coach painting.​
Cost: £135, including all materials and lunch.
Places are limited.
Contact us on 01625 575811 or enquiries@bollington-wharf.com to book.
A non-returnable deposit of £50 is required to secure your place.
Gift vouchers available.

Advanced Roses with Phil Speight
1st-2nd December
This workshop is for those with some previous experience of painting roses. You'll learn about the different styles of roses which were developed by different painters around the country, for example Knobsticks roses from the Potteries
​Cost: £135, including all materials and lunch.
Places are limited.
Contact us on 01625 575811 or enquiries@bollington-wharf.com to book.
A non-returnable deposit of £50 is required to secure your place.
Gift vouchers available.

Signwriting with Phil Speight​
Next Date TBC
A chance to learn the craft of signwriting at this hands-on two day workshop with master craftsman Phil Speight.
Cost: £135, including all materials and lunch.
Places are limited.
Contact us on 01625 575811 or enquiries@bollington-wharf.com to book.
A non-returnable deposit of £50 is required to secure your place.
Gift vouchers available.

PHIL'S DVDs
'HOW TO PAINT ROSES' & 'HOW TO PAINT CASTLES'

2 DVDS, £13.50 each or £25.00 for both including UK postage.

NEW - 5 DISC BOX SET 'To the point - SIGNWRITING'

How to write your own boat to a satisfactory standard. Running time over 6 hours.
£25.00 the set.

Email or ring 07368 244866 for details and to order.

What the waterways press has had to say about the "To the Point" series;
"The perfect introduction to the art"
"By far the best way"
" ... a natural in front of the camera"
"Treats the viewer like an old friend"
"one of the most highly regarded painters around."
"A brilliant introduction to the art."
"A great teacher"
"inspiring"
"the next best thing to one to one instruction."
"very good value indeed."