About us
Artist
Susie George
From the helm of Twentythree04 Ltd to the heart of Swillbrook Boatyard, Susie wears more hats than most people have coat hooks — manager, licensee, bartender, cleaner, cook, admin support, dog walker, fundraiser… and occasionally all before lunchtime. With more than 30 years in the creative industry and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours under her belt, she successfully ran her design business, Twentythree04, for over two decades before swapping full-time client briefs for painting & sculpting from her studio in Catforth. During the summer months, she can also be found pulling pints and sharing stories as the licensee of The Galley micro bar. Her artwork is deeply inspired by the natural beauty surrounding Swillbrook, though her practical side also includes a 2022 Helm certification for inland waterways and narrowboats.
Fun fact: Susie learned to ride motorbikes on a Harley-Davidson and passed her “big bike” test in 2000 as a birthday present to herself.
Cabinet Maker
Gary Wood
With more than 40 years’ experience as a carpenter, camera shy Gary is the steady hand behind the workshop and boat services at Swillbrook — the man who can usually fix it, build it, or explain in great detail. Drawn to this area of the North West for its calming pace and welcome sense of escapism, he’s happiest surrounded by timber, tools, boats, and a decent brew. In 2022, Gary added a Helm certification for inland waterways to his long list of practical skills.
Fun fact: he can hold an impressively long conversation on almost any subject, though diesel heaters, inverters, and football are definite favourites. A loyal supporter of Leeds United FC, he remains eternally optimistic every season — which may be his greatest skill of all.
Security Team
George
George is Swillbrook Boatyard’s self-appointed Head of Security, Visitor Relations, and General Supervision.
A handsome mix of German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, he takes his responsibilities very seriously — especially inspecting every person, parcel, boat, wheelbarrow, and suspicious leaf that arrives on site. His official duties include being absolutely everywhere and involved in absolutely everything, alongside vital roles such as night-time boatyard and mooring patrol, chicken security, and devoted protector of the entire Swillbrook team.
Fun fact: he is particularly loyal to “the hooman who cooks the chicken” — apparently she calls herself “mummy” or something like that.
