BBC Spotlight Shines on Guild Member Jonathan Lonergan as Master Cue Maker Takes Centre Stage

Being featured by the BBC during one of snooker’s biggest tournaments is an honour reserved for those who have truly mastered their craft. During the recent Welsh Open snooker tournament, viewers were given a fascinating behind the scenes insight into the world of bespoke cue making through a beautifully filmed feature showcasing Guild member Jonathan Lonergan of Lonergan Cues. Broadcast throughout the tournament, the feature celebrated not only the remarkable skill involved in producing a handcrafted snooker cue, but also the passion, precision and dedication that have earned Jonathan an outstanding international reputation.

For many snooker players, a cue is far more than a piece of sporting equipment. It becomes an extension of the player, something they will rely on for years and often throughout their playing career. It is precisely why the craftsmanship behind every cue matters so much, and why Jonathan has become one of the most respected cue makers in the industry.

A Lifetime Dedicated to Perfecting the Craft

Working from his workshop in South Wales, Jonathan has spent more than 17 years refining his craft, creating bespoke snooker cues that are used by players across the UK and throughout the world. What began as a hobby in 2009 has evolved into a lifelong passion, fuelled by an uncompromising commitment to quality and a desire to produce cues that perform as beautifully as they look.

Unlike mass produced alternatives, every cue Jonathan creates is built entirely by hand, from selecting the raw timber through to fitting the final tip. There are no production lines, no shortcuts and no automated systems making critical decisions. Every stage relies on experience, instinct and the judgement that only comes from years of working with natural materials.

One of the greatest skills Jonathan possesses is his ability to read timber. Before a cue even begins to take shape, he carefully examines each board of ash or maple, studying the grain, weight, density and colour. To most people it may simply look like a piece of wood, but to an experienced craftsman it tells a story. These subtle characteristics determine how a cue will perform, how it will feel in a player’s hand and how it will stand the test of time.

This is where true craftsmanship makes all the difference. Every piece of timber behaves differently, meaning every cue requires individual attention throughout the manufacturing process. It is a level of personal craftsmanship that simply cannot be replicated by machinery or computer controlled manufacturing. Jonathan’s workshop still houses traditional machinery, some dating back to the 1960s, alongside hand tools that have changed very little over the past century. They continue to do exactly what they were designed to do, allowing the craftsman, rather than the machine, to remain firmly in control.

Why a Handcrafted Cue Makes All the Difference

For those wanting to understand what truly goes into creating a world class cue, Jonathan also shares his knowledge through his popular YouTube channel, Diary of a Cuemaker. The channel offers an authentic look inside the workshop, following projects from raw timber to finished cue while exploring the techniques, materials and decisions that define quality cue making. It has become an invaluable resource for players, collectors and fellow craftspeople alike, providing a rare insight into a traditional craft that few ever have the opportunity to witness.

Patience is another quality that defines Jonathan’s work. Many of the exotic timbers used in his cues have been stored for years before they are ready to use. Every piece is carefully dated and monitored, allowing the wood to naturally stabilise before becoming part of a finished cue. Jonathan firmly believes that timber should always be left longer than you think, ensuring the finished product offers exceptional stability and longevity for years of competitive play.

His workshop is home to an extraordinary collection of premium hardwoods sourced from around the world. Ebony, rosewood, snakewood and many other rare species each bring their own distinctive appearance and characteristics. Rather than chasing uniformity, Jonathan embraces the natural variation found within every piece of timber. No two cues are ever identical, giving every customer something completely unique that cannot be bought from a shop shelf.

That individuality is one of the biggest advantages of commissioning a bespoke cue. Rather than adapting to an off the shelf product designed for thousands of people, customers receive a cue built specifically for them. Every aspect can be tailored to suit their playing style, preferences and aesthetic tastes, creating a cue that feels like a natural extension of the player rather than simply another piece of sporting equipment.

Jonathan’s expertise extends far beyond shaping timber. The smallest details often have the greatest impact on performance. From the choice of ferrule material through to selecting and fitting the perfect tip, every component influences how the cue transfers energy, generates spin and delivers feedback to the player. It is this technical understanding, combined with exceptional craftsmanship, that has made Jonathan a respected authority within the world of cue making.

Craftsmanship Recognised Around the World

Perhaps most impressive of all is that every Lonergan cue is made entirely by Jonathan himself. Customers are not passed between departments or anonymous production teams. The same person who selects the timber is the craftsman who shapes the shaft, finishes the butt, fits the ferrule and installs the tip. That continuity provides an unrivalled level of quality control and ensures every cue leaving the workshop reflects Jonathan’s own exacting standards.

His dedication has earned customers from every corner of the globe, with handcrafted cues travelling to Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North America and South America. Despite this international reputation, Jonathan remains committed to traditional British craftsmanship, proving that skill, patience and attention to detail continue to outperform mass production when quality truly matters.

At The Guild of Master Craftsmen, we are incredibly proud to have Jonathan Lonergan among our membership. His BBC feature during the Welsh Open was not only recognition of his own exceptional talent, but also a celebration of the traditional craftsmanship that continues to thrive within the UK. Jonathan’s work is a powerful reminder that genuine craftsmanship is about far more than creating a beautiful product. It is about understanding materials, mastering techniques developed over generations and delivering something that performs flawlessly for years to come. For anyone seeking a cue that offers exceptional quality, individuality and craftsmanship, a handmade Lonergan cue represents an investment in skill, passion and tradition that simply cannot be matched by an off the shelf alternative.