Michael was given the opportunity to work on a ‘bit of old Yorkshire oak’
This idea for this project came about from a customer who had seen and bought some of Michael’s work on previous visits to Orkney. He was convinced that Michael would be able to produce something interesting from a piece of salvaged Oak, which, to be honest did look a bit like firewood.
The piece of old Oak wood was recently removed during the restoration of a 16th Century barn in Scholes (former Fitzwilliam/Wentworth Estate village), South Yorkshire. Michael was commissioned to make a memento piece that would be in keeping with the barn and its period. Once the barn restoration works are completed the piece would be a touchstone reminder of the barns age and timeline.
During its lifetime the barn was undoubtably once used to store farm produce for the Wentworth Woodhouse Estates one of many barns in the surrounding area which unfortunately, over the years, most have now been lost but this one has been given a new lease of life.
An image of the stunning Wentworth house.
Wentworth Woodhouse History link : https://www.historichouses.org/the-history-of-wentworth-woodhouse/
Wentworth Woodhouse Regeneration Project Link: https://wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk/our-story/
Back to the ‘Bit of old Yorkshire oak’
The customer was here in Orkney so after a quick discussion it was agreed that Michael would make best use of the wood and produce small cups each with its own unique style to best emphasis the grain and pattern of the oak and be of a style that was in keeping with the age of the building.
After some head scratching and investigation the turning begins.
Eventually he was able to produce four cups from the one piece of Oak. Each piece is approx 80mm high x 90mm diameter.
Replica coins from the early 16th century, a Henry VII Groat, will be placed in each cup as a thought-provoking item linked to the period of the barns construction.
Four beautiful little bowls now sent down to Yorkshire. This project was a real privilege to be a part of.
Thanks to Melvin Conway for his input and photos.