John Hanby : In Profile

My fascination with bonsai started in the 1970’s when a Temple Tree I received as a gift unfortunately died and perhaps the interest waned a little. In the 1980’s I was inspired by Peter Chan’s book ‘Create your own Bonsai’. By the time I had read Harry Tomlinson’s book I was totally hooked.

Extensive tuition and workshops quickly followed with Harry Tomlinson, Peter Adams, Walter Pall, but most intensively with Dan Barton. My life would never be the same again. Harry and Dan are now good friends and I am indebted to them for their inspiration, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

In 1992 I started trading as ‘South Yorkshire Bonsai’, and shortly afterwards disposed of my estate agency business. As a Chartered Surveyor I continue to carry out professional work based from home, but more of my time is increasingly devoted to bonsai.

From 1992 to 1997 I held various posts on the committee of the Yorkshire Bonsai Association. In 1995 I was elected to the committee of the Federation of British Bonsai Societies (FOBBs) and for three years served as its secretary. In 1999 I regrettably had to stand down due to the demands on my time from my own nursery and bonsai school which continue to expand rapidly. I have maintained my role as a committee member of the Bonsai Traders Association. 

I have been on the FOBBs list of demonstrators for many years and regularly give talks and demonstrations to bonsai clubs throughout the country. I have demonstrated at national events including the European Bonsai Association Congress at Stratford in 1999. In January 2001 I was invited to demonstrate at a weekend bonsai seminar in Belgium.

Trees from my own collection have been presented with awards at both national and international bonsai events, winning a Gingko award in 1999 in the Important European Bonsai category and an extra "special" prize from Mr. Daizo Iwasaki at the fifth Gingko exhibition in September 2005.

At the Joy of Bonsai exhibition in March 2002 my specimen Chinese Elm was the only tree in the UK to be awarded an 'A' category rating by ABBA (Association of British Bonsai Artists).

I have provided advice, articles and photographs for books and magazines. I have also been featured on local radio and on television - in UKTV Style's Gardening Angels programme.

Over ten years ago I was introduced to Danny Use of the Ginkgo Bonsai Centre in Belgium. I owe much to Danny for my further development and understanding of Japanese cultivation techniques.

In 2003 I became a member of the Kawabe school in Belgium - eager to further my knowledge under the guidance of highly regarded Japanese Bonsai master, Mr Takeo Kawabe.

In April 2003 I purchased Newstead Nurseries; a very run-down garden centre but with useful buildings, glasshouses and 4 acres of land. The transformation is well under way with a new studio/classroom, superb café, extensive and fully stocked indoor and outdoor display areas. A 17,000sq.ft. glasshouse converts to provide an art gallery atmosphere for the UK's number one Bonsai exhibition, which we currently hold every 2 years.

I have given up the day job and now work full time managing the centre, looking after client's trees and teaching/practising Bonsai. At last, the full story is beginning to emerge as I look after most species of tree, many of them at varying levels from young seedlings to some of the best specimens in Europe.

Wow..all this from the purchase of one little tree!!

Let this be a warning to you! But because of that little tree I now have friends all over the world and students have become part of our very own Bonsai family. I consider myself very fortunate serving my trees as a job as well as a hobby.

The Newstead Bonsai Centre and John Hanby Bonsai School continues to go from strength to strength - make sure you're part of it!!

Please also see: Enthusiasm & Dedication article

Also see...

• Newstead Bonsai Award
• Bonsai Classes & Workshops at the Bonsai School >>
• John Hanby Bonsai School Study Group >>