Alan Bradshaw's Curriculum Vitae

No formal education or qualifications in computing, just a lot of "real world" experience. I've had an interest in computers from an early age and dabbled with simple programming in various languages on a variety of older computers. My first "modern" computer was a Mac (in 1996) which I bought initially hoping to use it for sound recording and manipulation but soon discovered graphic design and internet uses. Introduced to the joys of Microsoft Windows through work where I rose to become System Administrator.
I also enjoy:
  * playing various styles of guitar & banjo.
  * creative or arty endeavours of various kinds, particularly with stained glass.
  * walking, cycling and swimming (gently! - nothing competitive) and pilates; fine food and wine; films.
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• 2003 - now. Freelance computer work. Mainly working for former employers and other antiquarian book and print dealers in London on database and web site projects. Also doing general computer setup, troubleshooting, network administration and web site design for several small, local organisations, largely in the voluntary sector. Database work is mainly with FileMaker Pro and includes: bespoke stock cataloging and administration for book and print dealers; a complete auction database which is used in three international branches to catalogue lots, produce invoices and accounting reports and synchronise sale data with web sites; work analysis database for voluntary organisation to gather and collate data for detailed progress reports in order to secure funding. MySQL databases associated with web sites for storing and searching stock items, sychronising with offline databases, managing catalogues and customer enquiries or purchases.
• 1996 - 2003. Work for antiquarian book dealer in Mayfair, London. Initially helping with web design and general computer maintenance as well as general odd jobs, within a year took over all computer-related work including network and database administration, catalogue design (using Quark Xpress and Photoshop) specifying, overseeing, liaising with suppliers, photographers, printers, web and database designers. While I was there the business grew from one book shop (about 10 employees) to include a separate print gallery and then the aquisition of a separate auction house and over 30 employees.
• 1995 - 2000 . Some occasional work in travel publishing. I was twice commissioned to update a section of the Rough Guide to Australia which involved two month stints of driving and writing in Australia. Several other small contributions of illustration, writing and web site design for travel publications especially the Adventure Motorbiking Handbook.
• 1993 - 1994. Took and passed courses in French A-level and Typing. Studied Spanish O-level but did not take exam.
• 1991 - 1993. Guitarist in "indie" band, Manchester. Various other similar but short-lived musical interludes over the years, paid and unpaid.
• 1986 - 1996. Occasional artist in stained glass; mainly three dimensional including successful collaborations with ceramic artist. Mirrors, boxes, jewellery, clocks, dragon wings, feather head-dress, candelabras, lamp shades, illuminated signs, glass and metal guitars.
• 1984 - 1985. General office and accounts department work at despatch company. Calculating and paying wages.
• 1988 - 1994. Occasional work diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Some building labouring including plumbing and electrical design.
• 1983 - 1996. Income mainly derived from motorcycle despatch riding in London, Canterbury and Manchester with many art-related interludes and some travel in Europe.
• 1982-1983. Unemployed, living with parents. Informal study of photography.
• 1980 - 1981. First year 1 term of Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University.
• 1978 - 1980. John Leggott 6th-Form College, Scunthorpe. Passed A-levels in Maths, Physics, Engineering Design. O-level Art.
• 1973-1978. Thomas Sumpter Comprehensive School, Scunthorpe. Passed O-levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Technical Drawing, English Language. CSE in French and Geography.
• Born 1962