wood, wood, beautiful wood...

Once upon a time, everyone used wooden or clay bowls and dishes, and the travelling pole lathe turner would go from village to village, making them as people needed them. And as a bowl gets older it becomes more beautiful. We have two made by Mr P that we use for salad, and as the dressing has soaked into them they have acquired a patina you couldn't make any other way. These pots and bowls are in the Tudor kitchen at the Weald and Downland Museum.

Here is Mr P's latest bowl, just released from the lathe. He made it as a demonstration at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair on 2nd October. The thing in the middle is the mandrill, which holds it onto the lathe, with a piece of wood big enough for another bowl left attached. The things that look like tree stumps either side are the supports between which the bowl turns, and of course the power is provided by pedalling. So the whole thing could be loaded onto a cart and taken to the next place.

Some more bowls made by Chris at the wood fair.

I love the simple technology of this ageless way of woodworking. This chopping stump is made with tapered slots so that the legs fit in, and then can be taken out for transporting it. (Also love that great big mallet!)

Of course, wood in itself is beautiful..

And when it needs to be joined (as in this stunning table top) the joints themselves become the best part of the design.

It was a beautiful day on 2nd October for the Wood Fair at Birtley Estate, and there were over 5,000 visitors over the weekend. I met lots of people who were interested in coming to one of my art days next spring and summer, too.

This is my favourite time of year, especially on a sunny day. Last weekend we were at the Weald and Downland Museum for the Autumn show, admiring the magnificent plough horses, and meeting up with other 'woody' friends.  This chap seemed to be enjoying himself too!

A perfect harvest festival day.