JB: Can you briefly introduce yourself?

JM: Josef Manhart, 84 years old, born in January 1933 in Mürnsee, municipality of Bad Heilbrunn

JB: How did you get into wood turning?

JM: My apprenticeship was at a wheelwright's workshop, which also included turning spokes. Retrained in carpentry. Then turn

JB : What project(s) are you currently working on?

JM : Turning wooden bells. Otherwise, everything you order from me.

JB: Is there a favorite place? If so, why this one?

JM: The workshop. I feel in my element there.

JB: Tell us a little about your hometown

JM: Mürnsee is very close to the mountains. I used to go hiking from there often. A very small place where everyone knows each other. Every year at the Advent market I also get involved there with my wood turning work.

JB: What did you want to be when you grew up?

JM: I have always been interested in working with wood. In 1946/47 it was difficult to find an apprenticeship. That's how I started wheelwrighting.

JB: What makes you happy?

JM: Working in the workshop

JB: What does a typical day in the life of Josef Manhart look like?

JM: Get up at 6am. Make coffee, breakfast, workshop until around 12pm. Short break, then back to the workshop until around 5 p.m. Dinner, reading the newspaper. Sleep.

JB: What comes to mind when you think of the following keywords?

Music: In his youth he was a founding member of the Bad Heilbrunn music band
Role models: —————
Inspiration: Through orders from my customers.
Adventure: I used to go on longer mountain tours with my late wife and very good friends.