Boatgypsy - ProfilesArchive

About Me

I'm Ian Richards and I live on a narrowboat travelling around the English canal network. I live with my two collie dogs, Fly and Peggy.
I am probably the only Luthier working permanently aboard a boat in England, and more than likely elsewhere in the world too.
I gave up a well-paid, professional, but incredibly boring career in social work in 2005 to follow my heart - it led me to teaching myself the art of Lutherie. For those who don't know "Luthier" is the term applied to a maker of stringed musical instruments. I specialise in making bespoke acoustic guitars and the name of my business is "Gypsy Guitars".
I try to make beautiful instruments using recycled natural materials wherever possible.
My lifestyle is built around a desire to make as little impact on my environment as possible - all of my fuel comes from recycled waste oil, solar and wind generation and my own waste is recycled as much as possible. I never throw away food - what I don't eat, the dogs do. I even have a "worm toilet", if you need an explanation, I would be happy to oblige. I despise materialism.
My philosophy is to reject the many ways in which the state and society tries to alienate us from what it really means to be human.
I have two beautiful twin daughters, Mollie and Erin, who are the best things I have ever, or will ever accomplish.

My Interests

I'm into rock climbing, walking - being outdoors in the countryside - being on my boat - and of course making guitars.
I like making and inventing all sorts of bits and bobs. I've converted my boat engine and generator to run on waste vegetable oil which I collect from local pubs. I also make stoves and patio heaters out of old scrap gas bottles.
I like yoga and keeping fit. I read a lot, listen to music, paint traditional canalware, watercolours and write poetry.

I'd like to meet:

Anyone who shares my philosophy, appreciates good wine, good art and good conversation. Oh, and the girl of my dreams.

Music:

I like everything from Boccerini to Bachman Turner Overdrive and on to Kate Rusby. It's easier to say that I don't like mindless pop music and I don't even consider rap to be music.
Lately I have become much more interested in acoustic folk music and prefer to hear it played live, in small informal settings. Check out Kate Rusby, Eliza Carthy and Julie Fowlis for an idea of my kind of music.

Movies:

Best all time films - Blade Runner, Mary Poppins, Heat and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Television:

very rarely watch the idiot box - I don't even possess one anymore - so lets talk art instead!
Art
I love the pre-raphaelites. My favourite artists/desginers are William Morris, Dante Gabrielle Rosetti, William Holman-Hunt and Egon Schiele.

Books:

The works of Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, Ian Banks, Mervyn Peake and Tolkien.

Heroes:

My heroes are all people I know personally, who are not famous in any way and would not appreciate me drawing attention to their heroism.

My Blog

Meteoric Experience

Hi Guys, I thought I would share a recent experience with you all. The night before last I was on my way down to the pub, for a swift half before bedtime, when I saw something amazing that I had never...
Posted by Boatgypsy on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 05:23:00 PST

New poem - Spoons

SpoonsCurled up like spoons in a drawerWe discover the drama of an Unfamiliar life, unfolding, Under our trembling, tender touch.The smell of your honey skin andThe warmth of your body on mineThrills ...
Posted by Boatgypsy on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:21:00 PST

How nice are people?

I'm apt to get a tad cynical about people, especially if I take too much notice of the news. I guess part of the reason I live my lifestyle is to get away from the stress of having to live to close to...
Posted by Boatgypsy on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 04:38:00 PST

Survival

Well of course, I'm back home and very much alive after spending the day in hospital yesterday. I needn't have worried at all. Everybody at Macclesfield Hospital was kind and attentive. My two attract...
Posted by Boatgypsy on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:50:00 PST

The Operation

At the age of 46 I'm just about to go into hospital for my first ever operation. It's only an operation on my foot - nothing too serious. Despite having put it to the back of my mind for some time, wi...
Posted by Boatgypsy on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 01:03:00 PST

The Mermaid

Check out this guitar that I came across today. It called "The Mermaid" and it was created by a luthier by the name of Andy Manson.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGQ3pAFXARI&featur e=PlayList&p...
Posted by Boatgypsy on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:29:00 PST

Poetry

Stella Lux Burning bright in the dark of this long night, The candle flame that is you Draws me like a moth. Though I have singed my silken wings before On lesser love lights; I never learn. ...
Posted by Boatgypsy on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 03:00:00 PST