From Treasure Hunter to Artist:
Showcasing Restored History
I have been a seasoned treasure hunter with over three decades of experience in metal detecting. My treasure hunting journey has taken me all over the UK, from beaches to remote areas of the Scottish Highlands. With boxes of finds overflowing from years of collecting, I decided to find a new home to showcase them once restored.
Preferring the term 'treasure hunting' instead of metal detecting for its adventurous vibe, I embarked on a creative journey. I used a barreling process to transform the worn-out coins found on beaches to their natural copper or brass color, enhancing their appeal.
To date, I have created a total of 15 pieces, including five portraits of the late Queen. Each piece is meticulously crafted, and every coin undergoes careful treatment to reveal its inherent beauty.
This type of work stands out for its craftsmanship and creativity. With a passion for both history and art, my pieces come to life when exhibited, drawing in the crowd.
I would like to exhibit my work more often, so any ideas would be helpful.
Interesting Finds
Bronze Age axe
During my treasure-hunting trip to the Scottish Highlands in 2019, spanning 600 acres, I unearthed a rare early Bronze Age axe head dating back to around 2000 BC. This significant find has been entrusted to the Edinburgh Museum, where it is undergoing the process of being declared a national treasure. See attached photos of the discovery.
Coins
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
I started metal detecting in local woods, uncovering worn pre-decimal coins. These coins degrade differently due to acidic soil. Upgrading my detector helped me distinguish between iron and nonferrous objects, boosting my coin finds and reducing junk.
Instead of storing my finds, I use worn coins to create portraits of the queen. Most are pre-decimal and heavily worn, making them unrecognizable until transformed.
Other finds
I upgraded my machine and acquired a detector that could discriminate between iron and nonferrous objects. This enabled me to uncover more valuable items and fewer unwanted objects, like bottle tops and cigarette wrappers.
A frequent discovery in my metal detecting excursions in London is shrapnel. After a thorough cleaning process in a barreling machine, these fragments reveal their true beauty. Barreling involves placing the finds in a small washing machine with water and ball bearings, resulting in a polished finish.
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