about me

Michael Lythgoe was born in Liverpool in 1950 and upon completion of an engineering apprenticeship in 1970 joined the Merchant Navy as a junior officer.

After his marriage in 1975 he emigrated to Canada and was employed in the ship building industry. Living and working on the shores of Lake Ontario his passion for bird photography flourished and he spent many hundreds of hours observing and photographing the bird life of the region. The extensive network of lakes in Northern Ontario provided the opportunity for canoe trips to photograph his favourite subject, the "Loon", with its beautiful form and haunting cry.

On holiday to the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts he purchased an old wooden decoy which still sits proudly in his workshop today. This simple decoy inspired Mike to change direction and upon his return to the UK in 1986 he made the life changing decision to become a bird carver.

After two years of building his reputation at large country shows, Mike was encouraged by his first exhibition at the William Marler Gallery in 1988 which was a sell out. Shortly afterwards he won the European Decoy Carving Championship and he was on his way.

about the carvings

Michael produces most of his work in cedar utilising the grain structure. Piranha pine and Redwood are other species used. All work is finished using acrylic paint and sealed with several coats of wax.

This website features a small cross-section of the species Michael carves. Other species are available and Michael will be happy to discuss your requirements.