tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45254619656452615322024-03-15T20:46:04.424-07:00Carvings with Stories: a blog about woodcarvingMy name is Alistair Park and I'm a professional carver who is based in Bristol, England. I've been carving for over twenty-eight years and I also enjoy teaching my skills to people of all ages.
You'll find posts here about all kinds of things to do with carving; the work that I do, the people that I meet and the things that I see which inspire me.
Please feel free to comment on anything of interest, it'd be great to hear from you!Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-54261027053596078852023-03-09T05:56:00.012-08:002023-03-11T08:37:17.671-08:00Documenting the hidden world of the bell ringers: making a peal board<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wRxkuYieDpzgTf5N1o7GJX8V2BMwhnXELKZHC8wG5Ah9e4MuHXu4RHiZ5q8FJoVusgqiiQG6uaOfFQduWyvWoQo8jEW5Rs-UcoMnptEVJxxqiX6_yNOwz7_803u0NqzLgUV78s7Wy_I48DrLXa7BDE3BefG1Amt3gjSsu7MA2T_J00I6oxtq3wfV/s3440/finished%20board%20cropped.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Peal board at st James church Mangotsfield" border="0" data-original-height="3440" data-original-width="2608" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wRxkuYieDpzgTf5N1o7GJX8V2BMwhnXELKZHC8wG5Ah9e4MuHXu4RHiZ5q8FJoVusgqiiQG6uaOfFQduWyvWoQo8jEW5Rs-UcoMnptEVJxxqiX6_yNOwz7_803u0NqzLgUV78s7Wy_I48DrLXa7BDE3BefG1Amt3gjSsu7MA2T_J00I6oxtq3wfV/w486-h640/finished%20board%20cropped.JPG" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>What is a peal board?</p><p>Well, before this commission in 2022 I'd never heard of one either. Making it gave a chance to see a tiny glimpse of something that most people outside of bell ringing never see. In this post we go up the stairs in the church tower, through a small door and into the bell loft to have a glimpse at the hidden world of the bell ringers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivTLwcIfM7Zds8ndWslGeDfBmEcUbzTwc9O0z_SOpOfyc_9nUiJcwnM-rkZeaXcqSJltYJLDa1oDnS3vhBmtKBvqzS7g_0gC4BLELHcEXW62bGuPp913mIgTxDVI-FozY8IHApAZCJlgoYhPNtnDVsPtq3vf2ryG2VUs55LgOAn2q-slAgE3pIDLQ/s4624/DSC_4136.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bell ringing ropes hanging in the bell loft of St James' church, Mangotsfield" border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2608" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivTLwcIfM7Zds8ndWslGeDfBmEcUbzTwc9O0z_SOpOfyc_9nUiJcwnM-rkZeaXcqSJltYJLDa1oDnS3vhBmtKBvqzS7g_0gC4BLELHcEXW62bGuPp913mIgTxDVI-FozY8IHApAZCJlgoYhPNtnDVsPtq3vf2ryG2VUs55LgOAn2q-slAgE3pIDLQ/w360-h640/DSC_4136.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><p>Bells are traditionally rung to call people to worship in Christian churches in Britain. Ringing developed from the use of a single bell to several, which are rung in complicated patterns that require a lot of skill from all participants to play accurately. Each ringer in the tower will play a single bell by pulling on a rope to make it swing, so that the sound fits in with the pattern being played.</p><p>A peal board is a wooden panel made to record special sessions of bell ringing. These sessions may last for two or more hours and are done very occasionally to commemorate particular events or people, usually having a close connection to that church or bell ringing group. The board shows information such as who rang the peal, what pattern was rung and who or what was being commemorated amongst other things.</p><p>The commissioned board was made from a solid oak panel fitted into an oak frame and will be hung alongside others in the bell loft, where the ropes used in ringing hang down from the bells above. You can see some other boards and bell ropes in the picture above, along with images of previous bell ringers and Tower Captains (head bell ringers) associated with the church of St James, in Mangotsfield on the edge of Bristol.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMu39PEHRtCWRThmfGVHFOkCQE0s-FGCFn2gabNsxk9anH2zxuWdNfW0hfdyAyvKyGDhRl9HBw974JLsqCKHw-Sg0bXTVGXLcZzrKi4A8rqO-hGuCsiz6ADKjxckTjCSr8ok-TJuNCGpwt1BvRLNnbdQXgOA2MyW5JIazNn-kJ8M7SBLJdj97vMY-/s2592/bell%20ringers%20rules.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bell ringers rules" border="0" data-original-height="1652" data-original-width="2592" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMu39PEHRtCWRThmfGVHFOkCQE0s-FGCFn2gabNsxk9anH2zxuWdNfW0hfdyAyvKyGDhRl9HBw974JLsqCKHw-Sg0bXTVGXLcZzrKi4A8rqO-hGuCsiz6ADKjxckTjCSr8ok-TJuNCGpwt1BvRLNnbdQXgOA2MyW5JIazNn-kJ8M7SBLJdj97vMY-/w640-h408/bell%20ringers%20rules.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I was commissioned by Jon, the Tower Captain at St James, to make this peal board. He also very kindly showed me around the bell tower there. <div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwrEr4X2kYxmmagIKXOKLqseLZUMsv-TN7KN6OnTRtZlcHuaSmrEzo1UR8U7tUCvSUG4wLcu2yz_PF3yzEsUjM7HFFN0RoeZl9phjTNoIeU_g0DXmQZHwCfvHHoSu2R-DcKnK_SYYJyE4cjyVW--cmELrK2edxCuUJ3y-Pvs6yjHdweYALJfyOx9-/s4624/DSC_4165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="St James church, Mangotsfield, Bristol" border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2608" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwrEr4X2kYxmmagIKXOKLqseLZUMsv-TN7KN6OnTRtZlcHuaSmrEzo1UR8U7tUCvSUG4wLcu2yz_PF3yzEsUjM7HFFN0RoeZl9phjTNoIeU_g0DXmQZHwCfvHHoSu2R-DcKnK_SYYJyE4cjyVW--cmELrK2edxCuUJ3y-Pvs6yjHdweYALJfyOx9-/w360-h640/DSC_4165.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>The tower dates back to the fourteenth century, the spire was added in the nineteenth century but the bells are more recent. They were first cast in 1922 but were taken down and recast in 1992 at John Taylor and Co in Loughborough. </div><div><br /></div><div>To have a look at them, we climbed up a ladder from the bell loft and then through a hatch. Next came a clamber up and through the steel frame that houses the eight bells. This frame is unusual in that it sits at an angle in the tower in order to fit.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic83nu6iEwx82rQYViXfYW1U7TPCKyNip_cwCRHHnG38u9z6lriLp-HTZY363XZ4oc0YibDa73b8kn1Yh1uhozY1zjHnwb-JS6w4zkSr6yH9m9TsHG58vpojc1lM4MRbXW7XLn4sAXcqGEUQXIxHbWSJET2jMCxltCPiBiJVyWzF-I-1IF4v6emznW/s4624/DSC_4147.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Bells in St James church, Mangotsfield, Bristol" border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic83nu6iEwx82rQYViXfYW1U7TPCKyNip_cwCRHHnG38u9z6lriLp-HTZY363XZ4oc0YibDa73b8kn1Yh1uhozY1zjHnwb-JS6w4zkSr6yH9m9TsHG58vpojc1lM4MRbXW7XLn4sAXcqGEUQXIxHbWSJET2jMCxltCPiBiJVyWzF-I-1IF4v6emznW/w640-h360/DSC_4147.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><p>After going out through another small door, we had a fine view from the tower over the surrounding houses to the Gloucestershire countryside beyond.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNEnESYyjJt18Ik83F1dry0w_5zXUrHEbtaYo0BgKFHeUn7s9d2tniEGd2V5xNjqUMcXnf_mZ-LcxXdfIrOhmNC2TtibOw4VKpk-F4AE9J9ESRXCl48ye1kVDFe7U-P9LwzUatKwX3OU7fYDdzBjElx-IuihALo4Z_Fd7Y7DH5njGnUsN7oMbkH7g/s4624/DSC_4151.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mangotsfield, Bristol" border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNEnESYyjJt18Ik83F1dry0w_5zXUrHEbtaYo0BgKFHeUn7s9d2tniEGd2V5xNjqUMcXnf_mZ-LcxXdfIrOhmNC2TtibOw4VKpk-F4AE9J9ESRXCl48ye1kVDFe7U-P9LwzUatKwX3OU7fYDdzBjElx-IuihALo4Z_Fd7Y7DH5njGnUsN7oMbkH7g/w640-h360/DSC_4151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The oldest peal board in St James goes back to 1922, when the bells were first installed, although some in other churches are apparently much older. The one I made will be there for as long as bells are rung in the tower and I'm sure that, given its particular interest to certain people, would be a collector's item after that. It occurred to me that these peal boards are important documents of the history of ringing in that bell tower. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsfzcJo5_hi40P_ym7WJUg6c6yINHPzz83IG1NiSWbk9L9POPehDblmqb-sR-0BwCWakk5EQkf-R3opsHJmo7a_u71qPuBq1xLYJatPmVqtGXVCRErXHr0h901_wpnqOQRPareH4tLClyl0b09MU44gVVWrVsKmUcbpsgJ6WOs1q6AW-XkWdJoI63/s703/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-09%20at%2013.15.17.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Woodcarver painting carved design" border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="547" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsfzcJo5_hi40P_ym7WJUg6c6yINHPzz83IG1NiSWbk9L9POPehDblmqb-sR-0BwCWakk5EQkf-R3opsHJmo7a_u71qPuBq1xLYJatPmVqtGXVCRErXHr0h901_wpnqOQRPareH4tLClyl0b09MU44gVVWrVsKmUcbpsgJ6WOs1q6AW-XkWdJoI63/w311-h400/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-09%20at%2013.15.17.png" width="311" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I wanted to carve and paint part of the design to record this so, after discussions with Jon, the frame now features an image of the actual tenor bell which hangs above it, along with bell ropes and sallies (the wider, colourful grips on the ropes) in the colours of the ones presently in the church. There is text painted on the reverse of the frame recording who made the board and where it was originally hung.</p><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPY6IBwl1Cu7OD4f74Snz3o-NsGc5IM2s06fRg9r78QOzoz4Gj9Dw91SOLCH-RBGvIyuN-q3099nV4kq5u9EN15Z-kCiIrew6Ktb6LjSvmKy_TZrwALoSPM9_PcMPI7j2YYIiri_-p_1GD2x2P8cpy2fgLDWR5Co1fsuEHCqYYXYfFat3eS-G5Ls9/s1600/text%20on%20reverse.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Text on reverse of peal board" border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPY6IBwl1Cu7OD4f74Snz3o-NsGc5IM2s06fRg9r78QOzoz4Gj9Dw91SOLCH-RBGvIyuN-q3099nV4kq5u9EN15Z-kCiIrew6Ktb6LjSvmKy_TZrwALoSPM9_PcMPI7j2YYIiri_-p_1GD2x2P8cpy2fgLDWR5Co1fsuEHCqYYXYfFat3eS-G5Ls9/w640-h298/text%20on%20reverse.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><br /><p>I wonder who will be surprised, after taking down the panel perhaps hundreds of years from now, to see this text. What will the world around them look like by then?</p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com2Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9JP, UK51.4823063 -2.488160529.345849599715812 -37.6444105 73.61876300028419 32.6680895tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-37694721414561328262022-03-11T05:04:00.000-08:002022-03-11T05:04:38.924-08:00'New Beginnings' - collaborating with artist Luke Jerram on his new sculpture in Bristol<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjcIdIB36x_-ynYHHt0NgcuM5IGAQoquB9ZjZeBNGtHoOlXFt-V-r3JBdMp2ySVEHQPOVAd3VKkZ3YPb-YTQbTWv1jR1Q57rKD5Ckvqs0H_GXAY0Z6Js3e5xz6Sji1MHe64iOxbNGjyzsT8hXfdzKTdJAX_-DLSjUmgQLXsLXTl98CgeoDbFBbkyrA=s3428" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Luke Jerram sculpture New Beginnings" border="0" data-original-height="2558" data-original-width="3428" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjcIdIB36x_-ynYHHt0NgcuM5IGAQoquB9ZjZeBNGtHoOlXFt-V-r3JBdMp2ySVEHQPOVAd3VKkZ3YPb-YTQbTWv1jR1Q57rKD5Ckvqs0H_GXAY0Z6Js3e5xz6Sji1MHe64iOxbNGjyzsT8hXfdzKTdJAX_-DLSjUmgQLXsLXTl98CgeoDbFBbkyrA=w640-h478" title="Alistair Park and Luke Jerram with 'New Beginnings' sculpture at Ashton Court in Bristol March 2022" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.lukejerram.com" target="_blank">Luke Jerram </a>is a Bristol-based artist (on the left in the photo above) whose work is known around the world. So it was very exciting to be invited to collaborate with him in the making of a new experimental sculpture, which is called 'New Beginnings' and is now installed at Ashton Court in Bristol.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXJ7FU-8AHxEEpdotFD3q43k9nRpda_6j01DeONDeiX6y0eVYvPVveQtPsN9B4s88SJAQhn9ZHJucCkw5AUUvt0gEejU5zfb8UbidA3_mo7KylEPJ5gL_Tj5sJlH3HBp0mWNmsv5agkXSyqY3Qq9Y_z_laI9h3SmiuQh5oKoAsNtk_kJTrFXNv2ca7=s4624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXJ7FU-8AHxEEpdotFD3q43k9nRpda_6j01DeONDeiX6y0eVYvPVveQtPsN9B4s88SJAQhn9ZHJucCkw5AUUvt0gEejU5zfb8UbidA3_mo7KylEPJ5gL_Tj5sJlH3HBp0mWNmsv5agkXSyqY3Qq9Y_z_laI9h3SmiuQh5oKoAsNtk_kJTrFXNv2ca7=w640-h360" title="'New Beginnings' by Luke Jerram" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The sculpture was carved from locally-sourced sequoia wood, which was then carved and assembled at my workshop next to the Ashton Court estate. Visitors are invited to use the pliers and hammer provided to add their own small-denomination coins to the sculpture and to make a wish while tapping them in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Luke says that "</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(70, 70, 70); color: #464646; font-style: italic;">I love idea of a seed: as a capsule of information and an object of potential that contains everything inside, a plant needs to grow. I hope the public enjoy interacting with this new sculpture and it acts as a capsule for their hopes, dreams and imagination!"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(70, 70, 70);">The project, which is hoped to be the first in a series, was inspired by 'wishing trees': these are trees or stumps (usually dead) which have coins pushed or knocked into them for luck. The </span></span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="caret-color: rgb(70, 70, 70);">tradition is thought to be at least a couple of hundred years old. Here is an example from Portmeirion in Wales:</span></span></span></p><p><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #464646;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #464646;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7H46dNFTVd3vqfwxvkF0J19twJA-JV00j6Mr4fWHWcZABZsXMkL5G_UCm6sLRWHZAG6exNw8LZQJhEnxWm58kHnQrOsVASvrY6iH9mPwPoN-pP50jSCOuenRDMRD6uUp4_8Zjs4smGLU7-eJB0j1G66EYNcQpMKUNokZGKajjqjeDdQAWsx65Zplk=s2560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wishing tree portmeirion" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7H46dNFTVd3vqfwxvkF0J19twJA-JV00j6Mr4fWHWcZABZsXMkL5G_UCm6sLRWHZAG6exNw8LZQJhEnxWm58kHnQrOsVASvrY6iH9mPwPoN-pP50jSCOuenRDMRD6uUp4_8Zjs4smGLU7-eJB0j1G66EYNcQpMKUNokZGKajjqjeDdQAWsx65Zplk=w400-h240" title="'wishing tree' stump at Portmeirion" width="400" /></a></span></div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #464646;"><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(70, 70, 70); font-family: arial;">...and another from near the village of Uley, on the edge of the Cotswolds:</span></span><p></p><p><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #464646;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #464646;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZInT7LUPqozc1oG_99PkXfx05lvEZDW1xnHcnAWs0CVrCtewcZDH5KrdTp3rILaXDImjVD83C2uRrdDuZzzlZ0TU2ILRyRYs0r7Ip0Lr-tpB7QSgwriaV_PCRxHyQ-yWwuaVaw7hT8upBMVu0eDJjUfB7WLb_L3oNR6G71kMDE75sCyPvskwvT6TR=s3264" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="uley bury wishing tree" border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZInT7LUPqozc1oG_99PkXfx05lvEZDW1xnHcnAWs0CVrCtewcZDH5KrdTp3rILaXDImjVD83C2uRrdDuZzzlZ0TU2ILRyRYs0r7Ip0Lr-tpB7QSgwriaV_PCRxHyQ-yWwuaVaw7hT8upBMVu0eDJjUfB7WLb_L3oNR6G71kMDE75sCyPvskwvT6TR=w400-h300" title="wishing tree near Uley" width="400" /></a></span></div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #464646;"><br /><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(70, 70, 70);"><br /></span></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #464646;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL6qFWbqGP8_AEBdtAUhxpHs1yZYHHl8S5Dg41O5OvA7VSlIJ9K8obao2w9nuOY7cHui5T0JxMikotfBb-0QWSJlbzZ3eDGPsBHxZeu_04MistlhEBQQSo6RrSMtxhptUrYDUKAumxRXYtV1LSkT2TWNQ3CHTpSYPmQaM78InEKWM11O-lXVKVmTQu=s3264" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="wishing tree ally" border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL6qFWbqGP8_AEBdtAUhxpHs1yZYHHl8S5Dg41O5OvA7VSlIJ9K8obao2w9nuOY7cHui5T0JxMikotfBb-0QWSJlbzZ3eDGPsBHxZeu_04MistlhEBQQSo6RrSMtxhptUrYDUKAumxRXYtV1LSkT2TWNQ3CHTpSYPmQaM78InEKWM11O-lXVKVmTQu=w300-h400" title="wishing tree near Uley Bury hill fort" width="300" /></a></div></span></blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I'm looking forward to seeing how the sculpture changes over time as more coins are added! If you are in Bristol you could <a href="https://www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/ashton-court-estate" target="_blank">visit the beautiful estate</a>, which is open to the public and free, then add your own coin and wish if you'd like to.</p>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0C9V7+G3 Bristol, UK51.4437848 -2.637297651.443116086355253 -2.6383704836059572 51.444453513644753 -2.6362247163940431tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-71123878551837274122019-01-10T04:58:00.001-08:002019-03-16T13:38:35.762-07:00Inuit stone carving - a detective story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVxc1NtHfTU/XDDqM2d01XI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/RqhOjmTlCkQBXnqVbp1V9hnrPzbYMZzSACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_66ed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="inuit carving by pauloosie weetaluktuk" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="910" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVxc1NtHfTU/XDDqM2d01XI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/RqhOjmTlCkQBXnqVbp1V9hnrPzbYMZzSACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_66ed.jpeg" title="" width="362" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I was much, much younger, long before I discovered carving, my father came into the room one day and gave me a stone sculpture of a person holding a sack. My great-aunt Mary had died and the small statue was passed on from her to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Inuit figure had been brought back from Canada by my grandmother in about 1965. That was really all that was known about it. As I learnt more about carving generally, the sculpture interested and intrigued me more and more.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4cPnTTTZlY/XDDrS3PAe1I/AAAAAAAAG1o/mmGxBb6tDrAtyQtigJwY172TeHdFlB6pgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="paulousie weetaluktuk sculpture carving" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4cPnTTTZlY/XDDrS3PAe1I/AAAAAAAAG1o/mmGxBb6tDrAtyQtigJwY172TeHdFlB6pgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00643.JPG" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The weight and shape of the dark serpentine, veined with greenish tints and flecked with red, make it so pleasing to hold in one hand. It was clear that someone had worked the design around the shape of the original stone: the dents and depressions of that rock were still visible, albeit smoothed out. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7Vi3xWKZmk/XDDqiojeHkI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/1GrI3N5vOSAuLmRRrDbm3c3_6oBT3zaLwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pauloosie weetaluktuk sculpture" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M7Vi3xWKZmk/XDDqiojeHkI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/1GrI3N5vOSAuLmRRrDbm3c3_6oBT3zaLwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC00640.JPG" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the base was carved the number 1760. I knew that it wouldn't be a date mark but w</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as it a catalogue number?</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kxA_ox-9Dg/XDDq6CwQqAI/AAAAAAAAG1g/w6M5o8dC9xUV64hVhrykcwNKIkaUVUqeACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kxA_ox-9Dg/XDDq6CwQqAI/AAAAAAAAG1g/w6M5o8dC9xUV64hVhrykcwNKIkaUVUqeACLcBGAs/s400/DSC00642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who had carved this mysterious sculpture and where? For years I didn't know. Even a trip to the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa failed to turn up anything, with the resident expert being out on that day and subsequent email enquiries to him going unanswered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reading books on the subject showed that the sculpture probably came from around the east coast of Hudson Bay but that was about it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIPSQ5cB7_8/XDc7cxo5QlI/AAAAAAAAG2M/H3c7wyiqauc8gAE5TjSTK3bQFHpPCCFHgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_66ec.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Paulosie Weetaluktuk" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIPSQ5cB7_8/XDc7cxo5QlI/AAAAAAAAG2M/H3c7wyiqauc8gAE5TjSTK3bQFHpPCCFHgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_66ec.jpeg" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then I learnt about disc numbers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://thediscoverblog.com/2016/06/22/the-inuit-disc-numbers-and-project-surname/" target="_blank">Disc numbers</a> were used from 1941 to 1972 (or 1978 in Quebec) and were introduced to help various organisations (such as government agencies) to identify Inuit individuals. Before then people would have one name, given to them by elders. When missionaries arrived, many Inuit took Christian names but often altered them to make them sound more local: so Thomas might become Tumasi. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the Mounted Police census in the 1940s, identification numbers were assigned to each person and were often used as signatures by Inuit carvers in the 1950s and '60s. The numbers (preceded by an E for east or W for west) were also stamped onto discs which would be worn around the neck or sewn into a parka. This practice was phased out after surnames became officially adopted by Inuit in 1969. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from: https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/xd7ka4/the-little-known-history-of-how-the-canadian-government-made-inuit-wear-eskimo-tags</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Using <a href="http://www.katilvik.com/content/art/christa.php" target="_blank">a site that traces Inuit artists by their disc numbers</a>, I discovered that my carving had been made by Pauloosie (or Paulosie) Weetaluktuk. He was born in 1938, died in 2012 and lived at Inukjuak, a town on the east coast of Hudson Bay which was formerly known as Port Harrison. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't been able to find any photos of Pauloosie Weetaluktuk that show his face, but have found <a href="http://data2.archives.ca/rcap/pdf/rcap-245.pdf" target="_blank">a presentation</a> that he gave as a member of the 'local grocers' association' to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in June 1992. It gives interesting glimpses of his life as a carver in a place very different to that in which I live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He talked through a translator as he didn't read or understand English. The main topic was the high cost of living in such a remote place (he said that it was three or four times higher than in more southerly parts of Canada) and how that makes it difficult to survive there. The increases in taxes and high living costs mean that carvings 'do not make much money' any more and it is tough selling skins and handicrafts as there is 'hardly any value in them'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pauloosie Weetaluktuk said that: 'Our operating budget has to be very high these days. There are people who have never been employed in their lives, who have depended on carving and they were able hunters, but now that the price of carving has gone down, you just see them as men but they don't operate as men any more. They don't have anything to base their lives on or their manhood on.' </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes it can be easy to forget the hardships that the people who created a carving might have faced in making a living. This presentation cuts through any of that to show how tough supporting oneself was at that time and in that place. I wonder if things are any better there now? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish that I could have met Pauloosie Weetaluktuk, creator of this beautiful sculpture that has meant a lot to me for a long time, and told him what I've just told you</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-39717250137345997172018-12-03T14:29:00.001-08:002018-12-03T14:29:15.602-08:00Woody street art in Bristol<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bristol has a lot of interesting street art away from the Banksy pieces that many people know and the large works done for Upfest in Southville. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easton, in the east of the city, has a lot of stuff by less well-known artists scattered through its alleyways and corners. These two pieces have appeared on walls around Bellevue Road. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jehX-CYT_BU/XAWtrHxoHxI/AAAAAAAAG0w/unKCKRJLp4wCbFypIDUrCLQ-7pNhUcJ9wCLcBGAs/s1600/20181203_152622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bristol street art" border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jehX-CYT_BU/XAWtrHxoHxI/AAAAAAAAG0w/unKCKRJLp4wCbFypIDUrCLQ-7pNhUcJ9wCLcBGAs/s640/20181203_152622.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTWIJx1C2So/XAWt3nSRkZI/AAAAAAAAG00/IOpQ69b6CB0alkADSGQ8P0uRPcH0oIC0wCLcBGAs/s1600/20181203_152712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bristol street art" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTWIJx1C2So/XAWt3nSRkZI/AAAAAAAAG00/IOpQ69b6CB0alkADSGQ8P0uRPcH0oIC0wCLcBGAs/s640/20181203_152712.jpg" title="" width="384" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like them, especially as to my eye they bring together woodworking and street art!</span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-42548050891551087422018-11-17T10:18:00.000-08:002018-11-19T03:14:41.978-08:00Green men and a bowing crow - 'In the Downbelow'<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went into the crypt under the church of <a href="https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/church-listing/st-john-on-the-wall-bristol.html" target="_blank">St John on the Wall</a> in Bristol today, to see 'In the Downbelow', the latest exhibition by the sculptor and model maker <a href="http://www.tomastley.com/" target="_blank">Tom Astley</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfxC_qZdJhk/W_BV0YEwj2I/AAAAAAAAGz0/WGjyG1Ynr0g-5LT0PySRn6j8jLQpXkh6gCLcBGAs/s1600/20181117_142826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="st john on the wall crypt" border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfxC_qZdJhk/W_BV0YEwj2I/AAAAAAAAGz0/WGjyG1Ynr0g-5LT0PySRn6j8jLQpXkh6gCLcBGAs/s640/20181117_142826.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The crypt dates back to the early 14th century and one of the highlights of the place, for me, was the collection of carved green man faces on the roof bosses. They are quite low down compared to most churches and cathedrals, so can be easily studied from floor level.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbE5qqPI4BQ/W_BVjWqGH_I/AAAAAAAAGzs/nIcdv8T_Los-43L_XX4ptwOJrdTTW3tUQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181117_142534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="st john on the wall green men" border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbE5qqPI4BQ/W_BVjWqGH_I/AAAAAAAAGzs/nIcdv8T_Los-43L_XX4ptwOJrdTTW3tUQCLcBGAs/s640/20181117_142534.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This one has a fine set on teeth on show!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tOcnJpPueU/W_BWITwsp6I/AAAAAAAAGz8/spJRDMpSq3MeTgXntstUNl5e00wGfaeZACEwYBhgL/s1600/20181117_142506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tOcnJpPueU/W_BWITwsp6I/AAAAAAAAGz8/spJRDMpSq3MeTgXntstUNl5e00wGfaeZACEwYBhgL/s640/20181117_142506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The crypt is very atmospheric and had inspired Tom to create some artworks especially to display in this space. It was interesting to see his new pieces, showing the distinctive style that he's developed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This sculpture is entitled 'Plague doctor' and was based on the physicians, with their <a href="https://www.historyanswers.co.uk/medieval-renaissance/why-did-doctors-during-the-black-death-wear-beak-masks/" target="_blank">strange beaked masks</a>, who tended to victims of the Black Death.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eof3eXJUQ9E/W_BX1S9jnWI/AAAAAAAAG0I/cjW6bVQPv5QSgLaPzBwcr39tYohFn4PwQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181117_142612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="plague doctor tom Astley" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eof3eXJUQ9E/W_BX1S9jnWI/AAAAAAAAG0I/cjW6bVQPv5QSgLaPzBwcr39tYohFn4PwQCLcBGAs/s640/20181117_142612.jpg" title="" width="384" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sculpture 'Lady of Letters' came about because a tomb effigy of a wealthy noblewoman in the crypt shows her writing kit tied to her waist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This 'Lord of Misrule' has a paper crown and would take over his duties during the Festival of St Stephen. The tradition lasted in Britain until the sixteenth century. Other images based on the idea can be seen amongst the <a href="https://carvingswithstories.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-fascinating-and-sometimes-very-rude.html" target="_blank">misericords in Bristol Cathedral.</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGicrn14CZ4/W_BaMqzjVNI/AAAAAAAAG0c/Ee4jgWKGxpsSyzD-A15FTNkkOmgby-GOgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181117_142629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lord of misrule Tom Astley" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGicrn14CZ4/W_BaMqzjVNI/AAAAAAAAG0c/Ee4jgWKGxpsSyzD-A15FTNkkOmgby-GOgCLcBGAs/s640/20181117_142629.jpg" title="" width="384" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final sculpture in the exhibition was inspired by the green men carved overhead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You might agree that the darkly atmospheric artworks fit perfectly in the vaulted stone space of the crypt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'In the Downbelow' runs from the 17th to the 30th November and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am until 6pm.</span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-39445567739680633942018-09-12T04:49:00.000-07:002018-09-12T16:14:12.438-07:00The Binaural Diaries visit the woodyard - field recording the sounds of woodworking<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/" target="_blank">Binaural Diaries</a> is a project run by Ollie Hall. He records sounds and publishes them online. It started as a way of collecting interesting samples for music but has developed into more of a sound diary: 'binaural' refers to two microphones recording sounds which are transmitted separately to the two ears of the listener.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBkvVHpQUVQ/W5j6D3i-1iI/AAAAAAAAGzU/SVmMnUz-Y0kAssBykAzsYL2ClPyLz918ACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_65d1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="field recording sounds" border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBkvVHpQUVQ/W5j6D3i-1iI/AAAAAAAAGzU/SVmMnUz-Y0kAssBykAzsYL2ClPyLz918ACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_65d1.jpeg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I chose a few sounds that woodworkers might know but those who don't work with wood may not be aware of. <a href="https://binauraldiaries.co.uk/alistair-park-woodcarving/" target="_blank">The recordings</a> are of: a sharp woodcarving gouge cutting through seasoned lime wood, detail carving in oak, a side axe cutting larch wood, a drawknife in use on larch and wood being cleaved using a froe and mallet. There was also the chance to talk very briefly about what I was doing in each recording.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's interesting to think about what you do from a completely different viewpoint. I realised that many of the sounds made in woodworking were things that had previously been taken for granted but which added to the whole process. There is a real satisfaction gained from hearing a tool cut cleanly and some sounds indicate when a change needs to be made (for example, cutting from a different direction as the grain pattern changes). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-20113146071602931362018-09-12T04:29:00.002-07:002018-09-13T02:00:06.152-07:00Spoon carving at Boiling Wells in Bristol, with the Boiling Wellness group<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKistPplrr8/W5j0-i_YQDI/AAAAAAAAGyQ/0iS8qNg0oYMR_ebCnsYyURF1pyWlQ-JsgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKistPplrr8/W5j0-i_YQDI/AAAAAAAAGyQ/0iS8qNg0oYMR_ebCnsYyURF1pyWlQ-JsgCLcBGAs/s400/DSCN0107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In July, I got the welcome chance to return to <a href="https://carvingswithstories.blogspot.com/2014/03/last-day-as-environmental-officer-for.html" target="_blank">Boiling Wells in St Werburghs</a> to <a href="https://boilingwellness.wordpress.com/2018/08/06/spoon-carving/" target="_blank">teach spoon carving. </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After four and a half years working there, funding cuts meant that I was made redundant in 2014. I had been back a couple of times to teach since then and it is always good to see the place develop and grow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This time, I was spoon carving with the '<a href="https://boilingwellness.wordpress.com/about/" target="_blank">Boiling wellness</a>' group. It was great to be back in the nature reserve, carving wood with enthusiastic volunteers. We had a lot of fun and everyone got the chance to try a range of woodworking tools, some of which they might not have come across otherwise.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDwOonJ-Ro8/W5j1jzFGWSI/AAAAAAAAGyY/LxmGl1twc4ozY7ryWx_stuJ5AVd9z7adgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDwOonJ-Ro8/W5j1jzFGWSI/AAAAAAAAGyY/LxmGl1twc4ozY7ryWx_stuJ5AVd9z7adgCLcBGAs/s400/DSCN0115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Doing spoon carving sessions with groups is always interesting as people come up with such a range of designs and styles when given the chance to do so. Once they had got the hang of using the tools safely, there was plenty of room for creativity to come out; working with the grain patterns in the wood for example. I hope that people have had the chance to finish their spoons with the techniques we discussed and that they all enjoyed the day as much as I did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-74491201567858536562018-05-21T02:31:00.000-07:002018-06-14T02:55:47.642-07:00Making the Jackie Collins Woman of the Year award for Jacqueline Gold, the boss of Ann Summers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iAdkL3Ub4M/WwKQCuCSBwI/AAAAAAAAGxk/5ADSX6NhsgMeMICAgu8Jcn0m_yCrTZUpwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iAdkL3Ub4M/WwKQCuCSBwI/AAAAAAAAGxk/5ADSX6NhsgMeMICAgu8Jcn0m_yCrTZUpwCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN1505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each year, for the last three years, I've been honoured to be asked to carve this award. It is presented annually by the cancer charity<a href="https://www.pennybrohn.org.uk/" target="_blank"> Penny Brohn UK</a> to a woman who is particularly inspiring: not only because of their professional or charity work but also because they have spoken publicly about their fight with cancer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The recipient in 2018 was <a href="http://www.jacquelinegold.com/" target="_blank">Jacqueline Gold</a>, who is the chief executive of Ann Summers. This company sell lingerie and other items to spice up people's love lives, from shops in town centres all over the UK. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each award is specially designed for the person who will receive it and this year's was no exception. The charity contacted Ms Gold's Personal Assistant, who told them what things she likes, then that information was relayed to me and informed the first design ideas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used some Lawson Cypress timber (known as Port Orford cedar in the US) from Bristol, as the charity's headquarters are just up the road from the place where the tree grew.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I find that this wood is often easier to carve using power tools than hand tools. No matter how sharp the gouges or chisels, the timber will tear a bit whereas cutting discs and abrasives fitted to power tools</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">give a good finish</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">quickly</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final design was a rabbit, which was inspired by one of Ann Summers' most famous products. I feel that that the sculpture echoes it in a subtle and fun way. The serene-looking bunny has certainly been a hit at the workshops around my studio and apparently among the staff at Penny Brohn UK. I hope that Jacquline Gold likes it too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a box in the back of the rabbit, suitable for holding small items such as keys, change or batteries. The lid is held on using rare earth magnets and has a really satisfying 'thunk' noise when it closes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a photo of Jacqueline Gold receiving her award:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Andre Regini</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-66808690077297604732018-03-25T08:05:00.000-07:002018-03-25T08:05:21.684-07:00The story of a saw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zu8dYECUBR0/WrOkWGBFL1I/AAAAAAAAGvE/ybdru6kPJJIh4Z8ch3oWZtFKUF3cntGfQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_6148.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="w tyzack and sons and turner saw" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zu8dYECUBR0/WrOkWGBFL1I/AAAAAAAAGvE/ybdru6kPJJIh4Z8ch3oWZtFKUF3cntGfQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_6148.jpeg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like many woodcarvers and other woodworkers, I have a lot of old tools: some with names of previous owners stamped on them. Sometimes I wonder about these tools. Were they once used to produce pieces that I have admired in some great cathedral or stately home by a journeyman worker whose name is now forgotten?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's rare that the story of one of these tools turns up unexpectedly. That happened with this saw. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a tenon saw made by the firm of <a href="https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/W._Tyzack,_Sons_and_Turner" target="_blank">W Tyzack, Sons and Turner</a>. The blade is stamped with the words 'Made specially for John Hall, High St, Bullring, Birmingham'.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFiO8Jnq9cc/WrOl--uRNBI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/xjgTLMVMRQsQnI3cbMUMb7sHocBglVg7QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="antique tenon saw" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFiO8Jnq9cc/WrOl--uRNBI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/xjgTLMVMRQsQnI3cbMUMb7sHocBglVg7QCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN1182.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I inherited the saw from my grandfather Norman. Although still pretty sharp, it had some damage to the handle and so I've displayed it on the wall of my workshop, rather than risk further damage in use.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEv3am_jwk8/WrOn4_uqbkI/AAAAAAAAGvk/l6r-IRA5BD4fhCMjtDiQt6X5RJuWTVBswCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-03-22%2Bat%2B12.52.27.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Norman" border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEv3am_jwk8/WrOn4_uqbkI/AAAAAAAAGvk/l6r-IRA5BD4fhCMjtDiQt6X5RJuWTVBswCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-03-22%2Bat%2B12.52.27.png" title="" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Norman was brought up in the slums of Birmingham and wrote about his early years in a few short essays, a copy of which has been preserved in the city archives. I'd never read it until last week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the chapters talks about the Bull Ring, the market area of Birmingham at the time. In a paragraph, the story of the saw came to life:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'Higher up in High Street, stood a gas-lit ironmongers, John Hall. It was from this shop that my father, who had just started work at a cabinet makers, bought his first saw. It was brass-backed and cost three shillings and sixpence, which he paid off at sixpence per week. This saw, of a quality not found today, Is now about 90 years old (author's note: this was in 1989) and is a prized possession in my tool kit.'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I never knew that Fred, Norman's father, was ever a cabinet maker and nothing that he made has been passed down in the family to my knowledge. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZxcKT6uFbc/Wre6ACXeRtI/AAAAAAAAGv4/N-3e346bcaIIKGnfRbP5ma4oIIVSU_DQwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-03-22%2Bat%2B12.52.52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="78" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZxcKT6uFbc/Wre6ACXeRtI/AAAAAAAAGv4/N-3e346bcaIIKGnfRbP5ma4oIIVSU_DQwCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-03-22%2Bat%2B12.52.52.png" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Both men have now passed away (Fred before I was born) but I feel closer to both of them when I look at this saw.</span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-3535342674529240022018-01-15T12:47:00.000-08:002018-01-15T12:47:14.198-08:00Making replicas of the earliest objects made by woodturning ever found in Britain, from Whitehorse hill on Dartmoor<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I like woodturning. It's a nice compliment to my carving work and there's also something that feels quite relaxing about putting the tools to the spinning timber and watching the shapes develop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There have been a couple of commissions recently that have allowed me to do some turning and which have also been a little more challenging. Making some of the components for the <a href="https://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/making-playground-instruments-for-st.html" target="_blank">instruments that are now installed in St Werburghs Community Centre </a>meant turning larger pieces than I've worked on before. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HS9R-3pYnRo/Wl0JNzmhMmI/AAAAAAAAGrk/ry3efZFsVj8tTpNjdsDXjKc3VKnQb4yqQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Woodturning on Myford ML8 lathe" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HS9R-3pYnRo/Wl0JNzmhMmI/AAAAAAAAGrk/ry3efZFsVj8tTpNjdsDXjKc3VKnQb4yqQCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0704.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was also asked by a local furniture maker called Dave Porter to turn eight discs, 60mm (2.36") wide, from European oak to decorate some furniture that he was making. It was a nice test of skill to try and make the discs as similar as possible, whilst turning them by hand. Both of us were happy with the outcome. Here they are, with one spare:</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8G44lCqijM/WlijV3x1UtI/AAAAAAAAGpg/BU8mlqzTLjoITvwpMiDyqp-BWEfo3-l7gCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_6087.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="woodturning oak" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--8G44lCqijM/WlijV3x1UtI/AAAAAAAAGpg/BU8mlqzTLjoITvwpMiDyqp-BWEfo3-l7gCLcBGAs/s400/fullsizeoutput_6087.jpeg" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After making these commissions, I came across the story of the <a href="https://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/whitehorse_kist.htm" target="_blank">Whitehorse hill burial</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This Bronze Age burial happened nearly four thousand years ago in what is now the wild, empty middle of Dartmoor national park - a place that is very important to me. This view, taken near Whitehorse hill, shows what the area looks like:</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_qMEb77aM8/WljhG9xtz3I/AAAAAAAAGpw/yn64SjuUfDwiX9XmRQQ_hXFy90nKYJhgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IM000160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dartmoor landscape" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_qMEb77aM8/WljhG9xtz3I/AAAAAAAAGpw/yn64SjuUfDwiX9XmRQQ_hXFy90nKYJhgQCLcBGAs/s640/IM000160.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 2001, a walker found a small, rectangular burial chamber made from stones protruding from a remanent 'hag' of peat, which had been left standing as the peat surrounding it was cut away. These small stone boxes or chambers are known as kists, cists or kistvaens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The erosion of the peat stack had uncovered the kist and one of the stones had fallen. The rest looked like it could also fall out at some point soon, so the decision was made to open the burial and see what was inside. This was even more exciting as most kists on Dartmoor have been excavated or robbed at some point but this one, having been hidden underground in a fairly remote part of the moor, was probably intact.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image by Cornwall Archaeological Unit, from <a href="https://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/cist-whitehorse-hill.htm">https://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/cist-whitehorse-hill.htm</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 2011, the kist was <a href="https://www.archaeology.co.uk/articles/cist-whitehorse-hill.htm" target="_blank">opened</a>. Inside, well preserved by the peat (which excludes oxygen so preventing the decay of organic matter), was a bundle wrapped in an animal pelt, thought to be from a bear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The contents of the bundle were the cremated remains of what is believed to have been a woman of high status, aged somewhere between 15 and 25 years old. The presence of a necklace and absence of weapons in the burial led researchers to think the deceased was probably female. She was buried in August or September (from the purple moorland grasses laid on the floor of the kist at the time). On top of these grasses was laid what looks like a woven belt or sash decorated with calfskin leather, then the wrapped cremation on that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apart from the remains, the wrapping held a woven bag made of lime bast (the fibres under the bark of a lime tree). This contained several objects: a necklace made from beads of clay, shale, amber and also a single bead of tin, a flint flake, a copper pin, a woven cattle hair band or bracelet decorated with small tin beads and two pairs of wooden discs. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from https://new.devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/latest-news/bears-and-beads-on-whitehorse-hill/</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These wooden discs are the earliest examples of wood turning ever found in Britain. They could have been ornaments fitted into a leather bag or belt, but most people think that they were body ornaments, similar to modern ear expanders. They would have been worn in stretched ear piercings, or perhaps in lip, nose or cheek piercings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some think that the smaller studs were perhaps the intermediate ones used as the hole was being stretched, before the larger ones were worn. Personally, I think they might have been worn at the same time as they show similar amounts of wear and were buried together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The wooden discs were turned from tough, pale coloured <a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/spindle/" target="_blank">spindle tree</a> wood, a native species which still grows around the edge of the moor. At the time of the burial, this area would have been much more wooded than now. It's strange to imagine what the person who wore these wooden ornaments was like; speaking a language that we wouldn't understand in the present day but perhaps knowing some of the many stone monuments, such as the double circle at Greywethers, that still stand not far from where they were buried and that we can still visit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c90v5FjmfyY/Wlknt0pLJzI/AAAAAAAAGqc/-NDA8YVfJQwPTuSCc_0-soWARwNu7Cv7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IM000175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Greywethers stone circles on Dartmoor" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c90v5FjmfyY/Wlknt0pLJzI/AAAAAAAAGqc/-NDA8YVfJQwPTuSCc_0-soWARwNu7Cv7QCLcBGAs/s640/IM000175.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Radio carbon dating from underneath the fallen stones of nearby <a href="http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/sittaford_circle.htm" target="_blank">Sittaford Tor circle </a>returned a date of about four thousand years ago, so the circle itself is probably older than that. This means the person buried at Whitehorse Hill would have known it and probably visited it as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I couldn't resist having a go at recreating the discs myself! We have some idea of what Bronze Age woodturning was like, having images preserved from <a href="http://www.turningtools.co.uk/history2/history-turning2.html" target="_blank">ancient Egypt</a>. A note about the picture: the lathe would have been horizontal even though conventions in ancient Egyptian art mean that it's illustrated standing vertically.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from http://www.turningtools.co.uk/history2/history-turning2.html</span></td></tr>
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<br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These sources helped woodturner<a href="https://www.stuartking.co.uk/index.php/tag/woodturning/" target="_blank"> Stuart King</a> to recreate the making of the wooden discs for a programme called 'Mystery of the Moor'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had to cheat a bit, as the method Stuart King used requires two people to work best and also because I don't have the appropriate reproductions of Bronze Age tools at the moment (although I'm very tempted to acquire or make some now!). It was still fun to make replicas of these objects that connect us to that ancient and mysterious time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had some seasoned spindle tree wood that was suitable, and the discs finished well. After turning, I put some natural nut oil onto them, to bring out the colour of the wood and stop them getting too grubby - a beeswax finish could originally have been used but it tends to attract dirt. The larger turnings are 25mm (1") and the smaller ones 15mm (0.59") </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">in diameter.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3p_d3ZJL9rA/Wl0LJWyMP7I/AAAAAAAAGrw/rIGKecMJOPYvtllhQ3NycBiLhpO0DqODgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_60c8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Whitehorse burial wooden ear ornaments" border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3p_d3ZJL9rA/Wl0LJWyMP7I/AAAAAAAAGrw/rIGKecMJOPYvtllhQ3NycBiLhpO0DqODgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_60c8.jpeg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's my friend Sion wearing a pair of discs very similar to those found in the kist at Whitehorse hill, but slightly larger than the bigger ones found in the burial at 30mm (1.18") wide. He said that they are very comfortable to wear and they were also tough enough to withstand a good deal of partying last weekend!</span><br />
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Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-46509201827326117262017-12-30T07:36:00.000-08:002018-01-12T04:09:49.688-08:00Helping to put together the Meadow at Shambala festival 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2pksinlbHs/WkegJ9f-NTI/AAAAAAAAGno/LOKlTQMArRMn1SJ9HhxNY4WEcATUQl6wwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shambala festival 2017" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2pksinlbHs/WkegJ9f-NTI/AAAAAAAAGno/LOKlTQMArRMn1SJ9HhxNY4WEcATUQl6wwCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0143.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.shambalafestival.org/" target="_blank">Shambala </a>is a music festival held in Northamptonshire in August. <a href="http://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/building-wooden-benches-for-meadow-at.html" target="_blank">Since 2014</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I've made furniture for the <a href="http://www.shambalafestival.org/2017/venues/the-healing-meadows/" target="_blank">Meadow</a> area</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> at the event every year and was invited to do it again in 2017.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Meadow houses the Healing Field, at the centre of which is a fireplace surrounded by seating and plants. It's a beautiful spot and I love to see people relaxing and unwinding on seats that I've made, surrounded by tents that healers are working in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A week beforehand, bundles of scrap wood from sawmills are delivered to each area of the festival to build seating, fences or whatever else is required. It's always exciting to cut the straps, pick through and see what timber there is to work with! It could be oak, larch, lime, cherry or something else and much of it is reused from previous years. Sometimes even the strapping itself is reused in a design...</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVUXwN-RLXQ/WkemnIkYMXI/AAAAAAAAGoM/Qhlhrcg7i5wKzDbsrkVErbOHQh3z2VsaACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0056.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Shambala festival bench" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVUXwN-RLXQ/WkemnIkYMXI/AAAAAAAAGoM/Qhlhrcg7i5wKzDbsrkVErbOHQh3z2VsaACLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0056.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This particular festival is very keen on having as little environmental impact as possible. To help with that goal, we try to reuse as much as possible from previous festivals when making new furniture. Since a lot of the benches and tables are made from durable timbers such as larch or oak, they last well outdoors and so between festivals they are often used by visitors and fishermen on the estate. At the beginning of the next festival, we wander around hunting out each piece from wherever it has been spirited off to. There is always real excitement when a particularly-loved item of furniture is found!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfcKeEtQdcU/WkenAju6MvI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/Lkc7veZfnhM9EaA43jxVGqe6_Q_FxEoXACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shambala meadow African-style chair" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfcKeEtQdcU/WkenAju6MvI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/Lkc7veZfnhM9EaA43jxVGqe6_Q_FxEoXACLcBGAs/s400/DSCN0092.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the benches from 2014 are still going strong today. When much of the rest of the site has new woodwork every year, I really like that the Meadow has furniture that is really 'of the place' - it stays there all year round. The patina of age suits it well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another thing that I really love about working in the Meadow area is that many of the crew have been doing this for years and know each other well. Some benches reuse pieces of timber that were originally part of seating made by Bertie, a stalwart crew member who sadly passed away before I started helping at the Meadow. It's nice to think that his work is still present in some of these benches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also enjoyed working with some of the younger crew members on making items for this festival. This seat was a joint effort, using materials</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">found onsite</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, and we had a great time putting it together!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9qqIQzcoNg/WkevyAk5CnI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/JclGMu9VrcU_Exf95grTmELfs8TjYYhoQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0074.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Meadow swing seat" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D9qqIQzcoNg/WkevyAk5CnI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/JclGMu9VrcU_Exf95grTmELfs8TjYYhoQCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0074.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's not just seating that gets made for Shambala. For the last two years, one of the featured workshops has been <a href="http://www.shambalafestival.org/2017/act/paddleboard-yoga-naomi-webb/" target="_blank">paddleboard yoga</a>. The people doing it head out onto the lake on their paddleboards and do yoga there. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N74enE4ycXs/Wket3krBnCI/AAAAAAAAGpE/nMlfTUq7ugcPKFnY8A1JxxQTD1kt9fULQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N74enE4ycXs/Wket3krBnCI/AAAAAAAAGpE/nMlfTUq7ugcPKFnY8A1JxxQTD1kt9fULQCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were asked to make a jetty, so that the attendees could get onto the water easily. It's now a permanent feature in the grounds. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2RX1bwhZ4M/WkerMgSiULI/AAAAAAAAGow/E87WeWrCqLkUfbFI6Q5iFnEJ0yPfQnDegCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shambala jetty" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2RX1bwhZ4M/WkerMgSiULI/AAAAAAAAGow/E87WeWrCqLkUfbFI6Q5iFnEJ0yPfQnDegCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0063.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's not only useful for the workshops but is also a nice place to sit, surrounded by <a href="https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/swan-mussel" target="_blank">swan mussels</a> and water plants. Don't try swimming though! The water is quite shallow and the thick, black mud is deep. The swan mussels shouldn't be eaten either, by the way. Just relax and enjoy the view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-57913494285715180382017-12-22T07:40:00.000-08:002018-01-12T04:10:44.761-08:00Demonstrating relief carving techniques at a sign maker's trade fair - SignLink Live 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WvTGx7-LnQ/Wj0aBDocvmI/AAAAAAAAGmM/nXrxWcbE2CsYq84pR0SflRp6ED-wR5p6wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SignLink Live 2017" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WvTGx7-LnQ/Wj0aBDocvmI/AAAAAAAAGmM/nXrxWcbE2CsYq84pR0SflRp6ED-wR5p6wCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0538.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've done many things as a woodcarver over the last twenty three years but one thing I've never tried is demonstrating at a trade fair. The chance to do so came in October with an invitation to carve at <a href="http://signlinklive.co.uk/" target="_blank">SignLink Live</a> in Telford.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The stand was part of an area called 'Craftsman's Corner', where traditional skills related to sign making were demonstrated amongst all the vinyl cutting machines and other modern machinery associated with the trade. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used the opportunity to produce a charming commissioned piece that was requested just before the show began - a relief carving of a kitten in oak.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apart from me, there were four other craftspeople showing their skills: Simon, of <a href="http://www.pinstriping.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nefarious Pinstriping</a>, was doing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinstriping" target="_blank">pinstriping</a> - a very exacting and skilful craft where precise lines and other designs are applied to surfaces. It is particularly associated with owners of motorbikes and hot rods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pete, of <a href="http://www.pkmsigns.co.uk/" target="_blank">PKM signs</a>, demonstrated gilding techniques. I couldn't resist buying a copy of Mctaggart's 'Practical Gilding' from him!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the fourth stand, Neil of <a href="http://www.hsigns.co.uk/" target="_blank">H signs</a> and Tim of Merlin Signs demonstrated traditional sign painting techniques. It was very interesting talking to them about which paints they prefer to use. One useful tip that they mentioned was to undercoat with aluminium oxide as it lasts the longest.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ce6hsWb_DrQ/Wj0hyGsIwKI/AAAAAAAAGnM/iExJYquaw6w321iVbPf7jkwNXwmXk3vOgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Neil Horne of H signs" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ce6hsWb_DrQ/Wj0hyGsIwKI/AAAAAAAAGnM/iExJYquaw6w321iVbPf7jkwNXwmXk3vOgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0550.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was great fun chatting with these folks, as well as interested people passing by. Quite a few visitors were keen to get pointers for their own hobby carving and I was happy to help! They also came along with their own tips and interesting ideas too, so it wasn't all one-way conversation by any means.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many people also said how much they enjoyed having the contrast there between the modern advanced technology of sign making and the slower, precise ways of the older crafts. I hope to be able to participate in next year's planned 'Sign Show' in Birmingham. If you are in the sign trade, I may see you there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-12168335548216519842017-11-27T07:47:00.000-08:002018-01-12T04:12:14.879-08:00Making playground instruments for St Werburghs Community Centre in Bristol, using locally grown timber and some reclaimed materials<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently, one idea that has interested me is making sculptures that can be played as instruments. This linked nicely into a recent commission. A <a href="http://www.stwerburghs.org.uk/" target="_blank">community centre</a> in Bristol wanted instruments to go in their new garden next to the M32 motorway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The spaces where the instruments were to be installed weren't big, being between already existing planters. This limited the amount of keys, chime bars etc. that could be used in each one . After chatting with the director of the centre I designed and made them some playable structures that we felt also looked good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The reddish-coloured woods, used for the xylophone keys amongst other things, are sepele and utile. These are both timbers from trees that grow in West Africa. I tend to only use reclaimed tropical woods in my work and these were no exception, having been bearers for timber deliveries to a local company which are usually destined for burning. The posts and other timbers are European Larch; a durable locally-grown timber. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVPW1HK1fQg/Whwutf6XE3I/AAAAAAAAGlU/zFJxMVKQCwommyYndrMAnsjWbd82WBwBwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="metallophone and xylophone" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVPW1HK1fQg/Whwutf6XE3I/AAAAAAAAGlU/zFJxMVKQCwommyYndrMAnsjWbd82WBwBwCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0784.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One particularly enjoyable part of making these was turning the 'rattle poles'</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> on my Myford lathe</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, for the last instrument played in the video.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcfK8fqg-OQ/WhwvejPA2BI/AAAAAAAAGlc/9s3vqd04OC4m9QwK6Aw8rapaIGPdmDfXACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wooden playground instruments" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcfK8fqg-OQ/WhwvejPA2BI/AAAAAAAAGlc/9s3vqd04OC4m9QwK6Aw8rapaIGPdmDfXACLcBGAs/s400/DSCN0761.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They are quite big pieces and it was a fun challenge to turn them evenly and for both of them to be as similar as possible.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNH9Tgi_0Uo/WhwrWenD7JI/AAAAAAAAGk0/R57kaxwhIisG86dYIKyo7FvjDxDuST8eACLcBGAs/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wood turning on a Myford Lathe" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNH9Tgi_0Uo/WhwrWenD7JI/AAAAAAAAGk0/R57kaxwhIisG86dYIKyo7FvjDxDuST8eACLcBGAs/s640/006.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had help from volunteers during the installation, which made the job a lot easier! Everyone was very happy with the new instruments, including me (as you can probably tell by the big smile at the end of the video).</span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-81674059489057217692017-10-26T09:44:00.000-07:002018-01-12T04:13:10.038-08:00Carving a kestrel and a nuthatch for 'Woodland Arts'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw_-70OFHII/WfIAbDki9lI/AAAAAAAAGio/gXAE-55aXJ8bJcNaFDSBvo6y3FuR2wEQgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw_-70OFHII/WfIAbDki9lI/AAAAAAAAGio/gXAE-55aXJ8bJcNaFDSBvo6y3FuR2wEQgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0590.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'Woodland Arts' was a small, two day exhibition held on a piece of woodland next to the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol during October 2017. I was invited by the organisers to show some work in it. I like the opportunity to create work for exhibitions, as it allows ideas to be explored that may not have been suited to previous commissions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hadn't carved a bird sculpture for a long time, so decided to make a<a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/n/nuthatch/"> </a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/n/nuthatch/" target="_blank">nuthatch</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I'd thought of carving one before as I think that they are particularly elegant birds and also interesting, as they are the only British bird that regularly moves headfirst down tree trunks as well as up them.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were a lot of offcuts of European larch around my workshop, produced by other businesses there. This wood is durable outdoors and has beautiful ring markings, but is quite tricky to carve with hand tools. I find abrasive discs, burrs and wheels work more efficiently on it, usually mounted on angle grinders.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--d_bi5yQDfY/WfIA-HEdycI/AAAAAAAAGiw/RrS6We3TK7I4_7IDRFa4rANQ7O0Wbou7wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="carving wood using power tools" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--d_bi5yQDfY/WfIA-HEdycI/AAAAAAAAGiw/RrS6We3TK7I4_7IDRFa4rANQ7O0Wbou7wCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0492.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The action of the discs also gave the sculptures a smoother, more abstract feel that I like a lot. I did consider painting the carvings, but the smoothness seemed to suit a finishing oil better.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDvvOF1PoTs/WfIBnYCxGvI/AAAAAAAAGi8/BPFH5pJHtuYYtaTlvy7TBz6RRCJN7G-DgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDvvOF1PoTs/WfIBnYCxGvI/AAAAAAAAGi8/BPFH5pJHtuYYtaTlvy7TBz6RRCJN7G-DgCLcBGAs/s400/DSCN0496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After carving in some simple detailing, I fitted a beak and eyes made from small offcuts of greenheart timber. This wood is a piece of Bristol's maritime history. The greenheart was given to me by furniture maker <a href="http://www.jimsharplesfurniture.co.uk/Bristol%20lock%20gates" target="_blank">Jim Sharples</a> and was originally part of a tree trunk fitted to the top of the nineteenth century North Junction lock gates. These gates formed the connection between Bristol's harbour and the Avon Gorge, from which ships headed out to sea. When the gates were replaced a few years ago, Jim was asked to make a bench to go next to the Mshed museum in Bristol and had some trimmings left over, which he kindly gave to me. The dark wood was perfect to depict a small bird's beady eyes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-tvw3BG46c/WfIEPqn7H3I/AAAAAAAAGjQ/L0ua1skHqGowFATPwJ3Ysg9gbDxygKQmwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bird wood carving sculpture" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c-tvw3BG46c/WfIEPqn7H3I/AAAAAAAAGjQ/L0ua1skHqGowFATPwJ3Ysg9gbDxygKQmwCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0503.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After several coats of finishing oil, I mounted a picture hanger on the back of the sculpture, so that the piece could be hung with its beak pointing down - as a real nuthatch moves down a tree. These timbers are durable outdoors, so the sculpture could end up hung on a real tree. I particularly like the grain pattern that loops like contours around the head.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ccOXjQlJfoE/WfIFBxLzndI/AAAAAAAAGjc/crHIjkC1jmM4zjKsFlwK7BJy-mrdOkfwwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="nuthatch sculpture British bird" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ccOXjQlJfoE/WfIFBxLzndI/AAAAAAAAGjc/crHIjkC1jmM4zjKsFlwK7BJy-mrdOkfwwCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0594.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After making the nuthatch, I fancied making another bird. So I looked for another suitable bit of larch...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cko-JCfNH5w/WfIGCL8MtkI/AAAAAAAAGjk/_x9Jc4VuhosM7onORW65Xnzl9Bz1qjnCACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="larch sculpture log" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cko-JCfNH5w/WfIGCL8MtkI/AAAAAAAAGjk/_x9Jc4VuhosM7onORW65Xnzl9Bz1qjnCACLcBGAs/s400/DSCN0506.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This piece was to become a falcon. Until I had started roughing out the block, cutting away chunks with a bandsaw, I wan't completely sure if it would be a merlin or a kestrel. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcGcWokaKbY/WfIG-ZFoo4I/AAAAAAAAGjs/uoMOPWAvV6AjDDIwnXYwOcrHo2sTlU2WgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="roughing out sculpture" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcGcWokaKbY/WfIG-ZFoo4I/AAAAAAAAGjs/uoMOPWAvV6AjDDIwnXYwOcrHo2sTlU2WgCLcBGAs/s400/DSCN0507.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually I decided on a <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Common_Kestrel" target="_blank">kestrel</a> as, like the nuthatch, it lives in that area. The body was also shaped using angle grinders fitted with <a href="https://www.arbortech-tools.com/tools/Arbortech-Mini-Carver.html" target="_blank">mini arbortech</a> blades or abrasive discs. Again, I really liked the slightly abstracted form and the contour lines winding around the finished body, especially at the bottom of the belly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2Rgvo2FVsg/WfILVrPkGQI/AAAAAAAAGkE/xprWPtZtHPEwR7uhf0Sy03ypRZA1eAg5ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN0509.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Bird sculpture roughed out" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2Rgvo2FVsg/WfILVrPkGQI/AAAAAAAAGkE/xprWPtZtHPEwR7uhf0Sy03ypRZA1eAg5ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/DSCN0509.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As well as greenheart wood, this sculpture uses a piece of pale-coloured hornbeam wood in the beak. It </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">originally </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">came from a tree that grew in the grounds of Southmead hospital in Bristol, which had to be removed during building work. The kestrel looks like it has been to hospital itself in this photo, taken when the glue holding the eyes in was still drying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was very happy with this sculpture too and it got a lot of attention at the exhibition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zrzOUFCjAs/WfINhpbUSSI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/LJ6EQ3eePHwYCT_WfeMG8aeGjy-A-HuEwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN0607.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="kestrel bird sculpture" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zrzOUFCjAs/WfINhpbUSSI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/LJ6EQ3eePHwYCT_WfeMG8aeGjy-A-HuEwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/DSCN0607.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGVd5pNAMgQ/WfIO9nKWAtI/AAAAAAAAGko/8wshy6SQUCcu9of76PUbLiihQb87VbyWQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN0626.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGVd5pNAMgQ/WfIO9nKWAtI/AAAAAAAAGko/8wshy6SQUCcu9of76PUbLiihQb87VbyWQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/DSCN0626.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The show had a good mix of work, including a picture by Lord Bath. He owns Longleat house and was the patron of the show. I won't show an image of his picture here though, as this blog has people of all ages reading it! Thanks to Jasmine who curated the show and Topper, who organised it, for asking me to be part of Woodland Arts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lWbx0mQAOY/WfIOQytpYMI/AAAAAAAAGkc/dDnaL-4MQe8GIjR_kRz20Xk-SydtjPXfwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN0600.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lWbx0mQAOY/WfIOQytpYMI/AAAAAAAAGkc/dDnaL-4MQe8GIjR_kRz20Xk-SydtjPXfwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/DSCN0600.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-57697985681436982642017-08-09T04:44:00.000-07:002018-01-12T04:14:38.832-08:00Building a shelter/gazebo at the allotment garden using reclaimed materials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkwrdeBaUjk/WYrncELFnRI/AAAAAAAAGhc/EzJ_8BCTiOAwvX1mU9ry_7IOlWeTORlEgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="allotment shelter" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkwrdeBaUjk/WYrncELFnRI/AAAAAAAAGhc/EzJ_8BCTiOAwvX1mU9ry_7IOlWeTORlEgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0002.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently, work slowed up a bit. It's a natural part of the cycle of being a self employed maker but can certainly be stressful - wondering when the next job will come in. However, it does give a chance to catch up o</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n things like website updates and also doing projects that are a bit different.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luckily, this period of free time coincided with some redevelopment work at the woodyard where I have my studio. As part of this work, a quantity of reclaimed European larch was up for reuse. This larch timber is very durable outdoors and so I decided to use it to build a shelter at the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/apply-allotment" target="_blank">allotment</a> that I share with a </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">friend.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gx_0eXCvGzA/WYrqw49GokI/AAAAAAAAGho/5r8E2DUJQQkW12X6rxrlQFeuOgckGB5tgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="building using reclaimed wood" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gx_0eXCvGzA/WYrqw49GokI/AAAAAAAAGho/5r8E2DUJQQkW12X6rxrlQFeuOgckGB5tgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN0003.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those who don't know what an allotment is, most towns and cities in the UK have areas that are owned by the local council which are rented out to local people for them to grow their own flowers, fruit and vegetables. There are usually regular inspections and some rules about what can be grown. I find the allotment a great place to unwind - digging all day certainly clears the mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our allotment really needed somewhere to shelter from rain (ah! British weather!) as well as a place to just relax and enjoy the place. As well as the larch lumber and some slab wood left over from milling timber, a couple of larch trunks were available which had been drilled full of holes by wood wasps (<a href="http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/horntail" target="_blank">horntails</a>) and so were not suitable for use by the businesses that had bought them originally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I set to making the structure. All of the work was done using hand tools (apart from a couple of battery-powered drills) as there was no power on site. There was also no one else to help with the build but that was quite nice - being free to just do it by myself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fO7yisZFX0M/WYrtEQk9SsI/AAAAAAAAGh0/G6oS2LRUtjUDgYOYZj_mtDMLezamTYUxwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170608_150030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fO7yisZFX0M/WYrtEQk9SsI/AAAAAAAAGh0/G6oS2LRUtjUDgYOYZj_mtDMLezamTYUxwCLcBGAs/s400/20170608_150030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a few days of work, the main structure was finished. I then fitted a small jettied platform going out over the pond. It was lovely to sit and watch the wildlife around. Brightly coloured <a href="https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/zygoptera-damselflies" target="_blank">damselflies</a> flitted over the water and several different kinds of wasp and bee flew around the posts. Some were large, strange looking parasitic <a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/content/dam/nhmwww/take-part/identify-nature/british-ichneumonid-wasps-id-guide.pdf" target="_blank">ichneumonid wasps</a> - harmless to humans and looking to lay their eggs on the wood wasp larvae. Others were small bees investigating the holes as nest sites. They were no threat to me and some, in fact, were helpful predators on pests feeding on the plants. Another welcome creature that is happy to eat garden pests is the <a href="http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/slow-worm" target="_blank">slow-worm</a>. It's neither a worm nor a snake, being a lizard without legs. I think that they are very beautiful animals and they can live for around twenty years.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cp2uTnHW-io/WYsW2hW-LNI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/yIFuLgzhYPY8CCocKdr3K6rHzV9mV4yHwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170505_141945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="slow worm" border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cp2uTnHW-io/WYsW2hW-LNI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/yIFuLgzhYPY8CCocKdr3K6rHzV9mV4yHwCLcBGAs/s640/20170505_141945.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next stage of construction was to fit a roof. This meant buying two sheets of <a href="http://www.fsc-uk.org/en-uk" target="_blank">FSC-certified</a> plywood - the only timber bought for the project. Getting the sheets up onto the roof was a bit of a struggle but once in place, they could be covered with offcut strips of tough butyl rubber. This was reclaimed waste material left over from building bike sheds. Joined with <a href="http://www.everbuild.co.uk/SikaFlex-EBT" target="_blank">Sikaflex EBT+</a> adhesive, the rubber is a perfect waterproof covering.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hR5KaTGTvfM/WYrw-fGzTaI/AAAAAAAAGiA/H_OdQABOlJI0HZA3Q2i5hWJcMBy4PHOfACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="allotment shelter made from larch timber" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hR5KaTGTvfM/WYrw-fGzTaI/AAAAAAAAGiA/H_OdQABOlJI0HZA3Q2i5hWJcMBy4PHOfACLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4544.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's the shelter done for now. I may fit some removable walling to protect from driving rain that can get under the roof but I'm happy with it the way it is at the moment - simple, natural and understated. The local allotments officer likes it and it is </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">definitely </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a relaxing spot to appreciate the plants growing and wildlife busying around you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks very much to <a href="http://www.roundwooddesign.co.uk/" target="_blank">Roundwood Design</a>, <a href="http://touchwoodplay.co.uk/" target="_blank">Touchwood Play</a> and the <a href="https://www.thebikeshedcompany.com/" target="_blank">Bike Shed Company</a> for kindly donating the materials used to make this structure.</span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-87798271732081610342017-08-03T03:30:00.000-07:002018-01-12T04:15:47.939-08:00When you wish upon a tree... the curious tradition of wishing trees in Britain and Ireland <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2LjuDiw-S18/WYLqNpbwhtI/AAAAAAAAGgo/P1eSqql-sKsnLjzFAvLA8e-HLRR8_P4dwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="coin tree" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2LjuDiw-S18/WYLqNpbwhtI/AAAAAAAAGgo/P1eSqql-sKsnLjzFAvLA8e-HLRR8_P4dwCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4474.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://bioeddie.co.uk/uley/" target="_blank">Uley</a> is a small village on the edge of the <a href="http://www.cotswolds.com/" target="_blank">Cotswolds</a> in Gloucestershire. It is overlooked by a large Iron Age hill fort named Uley Bury: rings of large ditches and earth banks that are over 2500 years old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got the chance to explore Uley a bit more through a guided walk with <a href="https://www.cotswoldguidedwalks.com/" target="_blank">Cotswold Guided Walks</a>. As we climbed up towards the hill fort, a fallen tree across the path revealed a strange decoration - dozens of coins hammered into it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_eCsflP8Iw/WYLqhfVDyOI/AAAAAAAAGgs/qCQysf8vYDc3VZeoH4s69VDIDNqLPqdcACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wish tree (coin tree) Uley " border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_eCsflP8Iw/WYLqhfVDyOI/AAAAAAAAGgs/qCQysf8vYDc3VZeoH4s69VDIDNqLPqdcACLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4475.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">None of the coins seemed older than the twentieth century, indeed the tree would probably have rotted away by now if it had fallen that long ago. It was completely dead. Not all the coins were pocket change of low value either - there were a few commemorative coins bashed in, with their edges following the line of the woodgrain.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzFoCU_Jj9g/WYLrHVnNqXI/AAAAAAAAGgw/ZjTsC4a2-0UyS3xGe7EQpbXyC0ahj2h2gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzFoCU_Jj9g/WYLrHVnNqXI/AAAAAAAAGgw/ZjTsC4a2-0UyS3xGe7EQpbXyC0ahj2h2gCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4476.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a wish tree. These particular ones are known as 'coin trees' and can be <a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/wishing-trees" target="_blank">found all over Britain</a>. People hammer coins in and make a wish, usually for the end of an illness. The trees may be stumps or fallen, or sometimes living. Apparently the metal toxins may sometimes even be concentrated enough to kill the living trees. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It seems to be a surprisingly recent phenomenon, the first examples of these being recorded in the early eighteenth century. The one at Uley also shows an example of Christian and Pagan beliefs mixing, as some coins have been added in the shape of a crucifix.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1QNFa7aoALE/WYLuFG2p_xI/AAAAAAAAGg0/lsYcTyqCo2s1t1IyYTgb_QIigfXoMdGLgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="coin tree mixing Christianity and Paganism" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1QNFa7aoALE/WYLuFG2p_xI/AAAAAAAAGg0/lsYcTyqCo2s1t1IyYTgb_QIigfXoMdGLgCLcBGAs/s400/DSCN4477.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This wasn't the first coin tree that I'd come across. There are also some at <a href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/putting-coins-trees-rooted-superstition-1815850" target="_blank">Portmeirion</a> in Wales. The coins inserted into some of these are so densely packed that, from a distance, they seem almost like a chainmail coat around the timber.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xn_M8IVu8Os/WYLwJD3cKUI/AAAAAAAAGg4/6PJuZWp4hOUMEjQlhLwI3tvIvau_0v1bwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170416_143130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Coin tree Portmeirion" border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xn_M8IVu8Os/WYLwJD3cKUI/AAAAAAAAGg4/6PJuZWp4hOUMEjQlhLwI3tvIvau_0v1bwCLcBGAs/s640/20170416_143130.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is another kind of wishing tree in Britain and Ireland. These are the 'clootie trees'. Clootie trees are, I think, an older tradition than coin trees and are trees that are more usually associated with a place that pagans would consider to have particular power: springs of water, ancient burial sites etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A clootie tree will have rags and ribbons tied into its branches, sometimes many of them. The name 'clootie' comes from the Scottish name for a small piece of rag or cloth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">horn trees (Blackthorn or Hawthorn) seem particularly likely to be so decorated, perhaps because they are quite commonly found and are also considered to be powerful trees in Paganism. A small clootie tree can be found directly in front of the blind 'entrance' to </span><a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belas-knap-long-barrow/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Bela's Knap</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Neolithic long barrow in Gloucestershire.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wrpi9p8EZU/WYL0kT44ckI/AAAAAAAAGhA/-3Eph_oGXhMddvw54UZ_EaSonEJTTnXAACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clootie tree" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wrpi9p8EZU/WYL0kT44ckI/AAAAAAAAGhA/-3Eph_oGXhMddvw54UZ_EaSonEJTTnXAACLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4479.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This little tree is certainly not very old but is already decorated with brightly-coloured rags and ribbons.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oPYXr_M1X0/WYL0wPicXUI/AAAAAAAAGhE/aDj2vGzZmp88QcBNo5RtzThKYiNA2uiogCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="clootie tree bells knap" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oPYXr_M1X0/WYL0wPicXUI/AAAAAAAAGhE/aDj2vGzZmp88QcBNo5RtzThKYiNA2uiogCLcBGAs/s400/DSCN4477.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've also seen clootie trees at Berry Pomeroy in Devon and also the thorn tree on Wearyall hill in Glastonbury in Somerset, which I'm very sad to say has since been <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17589575" target="_blank">badly damaged by vandals.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why tie things in trees? Some suggest that it could have similar roots to traditions in the Far East. For example, followers of Shintoism in Japan hang paper streamers called <i>shide </i>from ropes around or in trees that are considered especially important and sacred. The two could be an example of ideas spreading along ancient trade routes or may not be directly linked, being instead an example of similar traditions arising in different places.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I certainly like to come across a clootie or a coin tree on a walk: a strange testament to the way that humans perceive and interact with the power of trees.</span></div>
Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-62511995807998926692017-07-04T14:20:00.000-07:002018-01-12T04:17:09.384-08:00Bristol street art 2016-2017<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JmoYio0nL-s/WV3uOVN4M-I/AAAAAAAAGfs/1A_HmY1Jg9QnMW2aR77-sU_k2oI1lH7bACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JmoYio0nL-s/WV3uOVN4M-I/AAAAAAAAGfs/1A_HmY1Jg9QnMW2aR77-sU_k2oI1lH7bACLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I'm out and about, pedalling around Bristol on my bike, there's always a lot of great street art to see. Here's a few pieces that I've seen fairly recently and particularly liked. Some go back a while and have long been painted over. I hope that you enjoy seeing them too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/upfest-2016-bristol-hosts-europes-biggest-street-art-graffiti-festival-1572987" target="_blank">Upfest 2016</a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These artworks (including the one above) were painted as part of the '<a href="https://www.upfest.co.uk/" target="_blank">Upfest</a> 2016' street art festival in Southville, Bristol. The next one is happening at the end of this month, when many of the bigger pieces will be covered over by other work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This amazing painting was done by the Spanish duo <a href="http://www.pichiavo.com/pichi-avo/" target="_blank">Pichi and Avo</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWw_jec4zUc/WVuH_LGYSWI/AAAAAAAAGeU/RV3ornfKuJg3My1q5utCLAgVe2fXsS4tgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4497.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="bristol street art upfest " border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWw_jec4zUc/WVuH_LGYSWI/AAAAAAAAGeU/RV3ornfKuJg3My1q5utCLAgVe2fXsS4tgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4497.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dalegrimshaw.com/" style="font-family: '"arial"', '"helvetica"', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Dale Grimshaw</a><span style="font-family: "\22 arial\22 " , "\22 helvetica\22 " , sans-serif;">, who painted this, was originally from Lancashire but is now based in London.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpm1rVAiBYM/WVuIeARZpMI/AAAAAAAAGeY/tK4QUeGEW84Lf0DN9HHXQQkHNWbCobwIgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bristol upfest street art" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpm1rVAiBYM/WVuIeARZpMI/AAAAAAAAGeY/tK4QUeGEW84Lf0DN9HHXQQkHNWbCobwIgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4493.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I cycle past this one, by <a href="http://ephemeral-ink.com/gamma-gallery-artist-at-the-steam-crane-bristol-upfest-2015/" target="_blank">Gamma Gallery</a>, all the time when going to and from my workshop. The billboard sometimes changes and the different adverts seem to make the whole piece next to them read differently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This one is near to the Gamma Gallery artwork above:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not all of the bits of street art that caught my eye were the big, impressive ones though...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKUcMVRU_Fk/WVvBCzc-j3I/AAAAAAAAGeo/97tAW9qEUTAXYYSNsmxL9ehVZHEcycK5wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bristol graffiti" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKUcMVRU_Fk/WVvBCzc-j3I/AAAAAAAAGeo/97tAW9qEUTAXYYSNsmxL9ehVZHEcycK5wCLcBGAs/s400/DSCN4506.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are also pieces popping up all the time in hidden corners, like under bridges.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yref573DTI8/WVvBzDysIZI/AAAAAAAAGew/_EgP7PbO1GsLhWZOQrzyA3o4HTVibFXSgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yref573DTI8/WVvBzDysIZI/AAAAAAAAGew/_EgP7PbO1GsLhWZOQrzyA3o4HTVibFXSgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb4vKWSuHHE/WVvCjziTFGI/AAAAAAAAGe0/e_o_ininvbwhF-M6QbsRjeFVnbi5jI9VACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC00468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb4vKWSuHHE/WVvCjziTFGI/AAAAAAAAGe0/e_o_ininvbwhF-M6QbsRjeFVnbi5jI9VACLcBGAs/s640/DSC00468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or even in hollow trees, like this one in Ashton Court:</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnjC7XEpwqw/WVwwkYtSxHI/AAAAAAAAGfc/bEPCHHvaF4Y0JWmC5vTSfbPUu7rvha0tACLcBGAs/s1600/20170407_165936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnjC7XEpwqw/WVwwkYtSxHI/AAAAAAAAGfc/bEPCHHvaF4Y0JWmC5vTSfbPUu7rvha0tACLcBGAs/s400/20170407_165936.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I liked this, painted last Hallowe'en near the M32. It's been covered over by other stuff for a long time now.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-630Kb1mtkDM/WVvDXBHPFAI/AAAAAAAAGe4/vh1HzbjR508o_BELfjXyeEdGWNHvSCEIgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN3356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bristol funny graffiti" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-630Kb1mtkDM/WVvDXBHPFAI/AAAAAAAAGe4/vh1HzbjR508o_BELfjXyeEdGWNHvSCEIgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN3356.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are also nice pieces in Easton, on the other side of Bristol. This one is by <a href="https://www.upfest.co.uk/artist/sepr" target="_blank">Sepr</a>, a local artist:</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IN8qKkwsN4/WVvEYH4t3wI/AAAAAAAAGfA/5fk_C8cr4I81NPYKySqIdHdPYoIpltm9QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sepr street art" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1IN8qKkwsN4/WVvEYH4t3wI/AAAAAAAAGfA/5fk_C8cr4I81NPYKySqIdHdPYoIpltm9QCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN1166.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And this lovebird is by <a href="http://smallkid.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kid 30 (aka Smallkid)</a>, who is based in the Midlands:</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R0czwlix_ng/WVvEsn_7j2I/AAAAAAAAGfE/czG4SqVAUY4IpWWKuw6EBLJwcSJvN-gegCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kid 30 street art bristol" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R0czwlix_ng/WVvEsn_7j2I/AAAAAAAAGfE/czG4SqVAUY4IpWWKuw6EBLJwcSJvN-gegCLcBGAs/s640/DSCN3582.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These last two were done with the permission of the people living in the houses. They really brighten up a dingy alleyway/road as well.</span></div>
Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-77167238911414812652017-06-23T05:25:00.001-07:002018-01-12T04:18:48.124-08:00One-handed woodcarving - a few thoughts about tools and techniques that could help people with the use of one hand only<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently, someone contacted me with a very interesting question. This person had suffered a stroke a year ago and was now confined to a wheelchair, having also lost the use of their left hand. They were previously right-handed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The question was simple: did I think that a person with the use of only one hand could carve?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I sent a reply and, after some thought, realised that it may also be of interest to others who are temporarily or permanently in a similar situation. Although I currently have the use of both hands, I have experienced periods when injury has brought such considerations to mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The answer that I emailed back is reproduced in this post, with some alterations, extra images and information:</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can someone with the use of only one hand carve? My
answer is a very definite yes!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd
say that the question might be: what would you like to carve and
which tools and techniques will enable you to do it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some
techniques could be more difficult (such as using a gouge
and mallet) but many tools are traditionally used one-handed anyway.
Carvers in many parts of the world (including Africa and the
North-West Pacific Coast of the US and Canada) have been creating
huge, stunning pieces such as totem poles for many centuries by using adzes swung with one hand to do much of the work. Two types of adze used by
First Nations carvers in Canada are shown here, to the right and also
above the stone tool.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olknHRhCdRM/WUzlPCDU2ZI/AAAAAAAAGcM/NNMLcyiNqUcM0ClxeIRQrGemcj2R1SPOwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN3106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="First nations wood carving tools from Canada" border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="270" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olknHRhCdRM/WUzlPCDU2ZI/AAAAAAAAGcM/NNMLcyiNqUcM0ClxeIRQrGemcj2R1SPOwCLcBGAs/s400/DSCN3106.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Adzes
require a bit of practise to wield accurately and can be quite hard
work to carve with for long periods of time if you aren't used to
using one. However, they are fundamental tools for carvers all over
the world and were also a vital piece of kit for most carvers and other
woodworkers in Europe for many centuries.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reciprocating
(aka power) carvers are available that can be used one-handed. They
are a bit like an electric bread knife that a gouge or chisel
blade fits into the end of, which then moves back and forth very
quickly to enable easy cutting. </span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QS2Rt1uQGro/WUzm6Qm9ZuI/AAAAAAAAGcY/KBufwTfpZIsDQ5eXdDf2OC02pZ2K7xvOwCLcBGAs/s1600/boschpselrgtmb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bosch power carver" border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="365" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QS2Rt1uQGro/WUzm6Qm9ZuI/AAAAAAAAGcY/KBufwTfpZIsDQ5eXdDf2OC02pZ2K7xvOwCLcBGAs/s400/boschpselrgtmb.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from: http://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/wood-carving/kit-tools/power-tools/power-carvers/bosch-pse-180e/</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have one made by </span></span><a href="http://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/wood-carving/kit-tools/power-tools/power-carvers/bosch-pse-180e/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #420178;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Bosch</u></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and I believe that Wecheer, Axminster and Proxxon also make them. They would be very useful for large and medium sized carvings. Blades made by Flexcut can be used with some of them by utilising </span></span><a href="http://www.flexcut.com/sk109-universal-adapter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #420178;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>adapters </u></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- some people find the range of Flexcut blades a bit more delicate and useful for carving with. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If these tools are of interest to you, I'd really recommend buying an anti-vibration glove at the same time, as the vibrations when using these power carvers can be quite strong and could lead to 'white finger' nerve damage over time. </span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For
smaller scale work, I'd investigate rotary tools such as a <a href="https://www.dremeleurope.com/gb/en/" target="_blank">Dremel</a> or
<a href="http://www.foredom.net/rotarytools.aspx" target="_blank">Foredom</a> tools. They are like small drills that can be fitted with
various shapes of cutter, including diamond ones for working on metal
and stone. They can also be fitted with long, flexible shafts to enable
more delicate handling of the cutters. </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As
with any power carving tool, buy eye protection and ear defenders at
the same time if you don't already have them. If using these tools,
particularly with certain woods and stones, you'll also need to
consider wearing a dust mask and using dust extraction (a Henry vacuum cleaner has been known to work well - maybe with some kind of mesh over the nozzle to stop small workpieces disappearing inside!)</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another
range of tools worth looking at would be palm gouges and chisels.
They have rounded handles that sit comfortably in the palm of one
hand and aren't used with a mallet, so could be ideal. Very good ones
are made by the Swiss company </span></span><a href="http://www.pfeiltools.com/en/products/linoleum-an-block-cutters/palm-carving-tools-set-of-12.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #420178;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Pfeil</u></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.
They aren't cheap, but they are usually excellent quality and are available in Britain. </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some
tools are also sold with a choice of either traditional handles or palm handles,
such as the '</span></span><a href="http://www.ashleyiles.co.uk/ray_gonzalez_tool.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1652ca;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>RayGonzales hook skew</u></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'
made by Ashley Iles which is one of my go-to tools for many fine
carving cuts.</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR6AOZ7stN4/WUz8UuO0-qI/AAAAAAAAGco/nh6f3-KTBLUxXBRqySbbt4zhpcwLWSDKQCLcBGAs/s1600/short_hooked_skew.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="ray gonzalez hook skew" border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="319" height="229" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR6AOZ7stN4/WUz8UuO0-qI/AAAAAAAAGco/nh6f3-KTBLUxXBRqySbbt4zhpcwLWSDKQCLcBGAs/s400/short_hooked_skew.png" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from: http://www.ashleyiles.co.uk/ray_gonzalez_tool.html</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One
question that will need thinking about is how work pieces will be
held. As long as the workpiece is securely held all kinds of tools can be used on it, even a simple pocket knife. To be honest, it's the same question that any carver faces </span></span><span style="font-family: "\22 helvetica\22 " , sans-serif;">regularly w</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hen working on fiddly or awkwardly-shaped pieces! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd suggest
having a range of clamps, vices, wooden blocks and simple home-made frames that
can be used in different combinations to hold work. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One-handed 'quick' clamps similar to </span></span><a href="http://www.irwin.co.uk/tools/clamps/quick-grip-medium-duty-one-handed-bar-clamps" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1652ca;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>this one</u></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> would be useful. They can be used relatively easily with one hand, but can easily work loose with repeated vibration from carving work so might need regular retightening.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDH5iIZTC_w/WU0B0vyWNrI/AAAAAAAAGc8/-80CUTg51zQymRh1Zavyjqq9bpuBIhQSACLcBGAs/s1600/quick-grip-medium-duty-one-handed-bar-clamps-1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HDH5iIZTC_w/WU0B0vyWNrI/AAAAAAAAGc8/-80CUTg51zQymRh1Zavyjqq9bpuBIhQSACLcBGAs/s1600/quick-grip-medium-duty-one-handed-bar-clamps-1005.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from: http://www.irwin.co.uk/tools/clamps/quick-grip-medium-duty-one-handed-bar-clamps</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">G-shaped cramps (a cramp works with a screw mechanism, a clamp doesn't) hold work more securely, but could perhaps be more fiddly to fit on when only using one hand. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gr5-PV-MwQI/WU0A2pILxXI/AAAAAAAAGc0/Ny0u-wATndI8N2UqDCYS9VzvqdI_kbzAgCLcBGAs/s1600/gcramp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="G cramp" border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="500" height="202" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gr5-PV-MwQI/WU0A2pILxXI/AAAAAAAAGc0/Ny0u-wATndI8N2UqDCYS9VzvqdI_kbzAgCLcBGAs/s400/gcramp.gif" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from: http://wsdt.wellingboroughschool.org/resources/dtoncd1/school/cramps.html</span></td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An interesting, simple method for holding sticks to be
whittled is shown on </span></span><a href="http://www.davidwillis.info/whittling-with-one-hand/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1652ca;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>this blog</u></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. What
you need will depend entirely on what you're making, so perhaps start
trying to make things with an experimental and adaptable mindset and
evolve methods to hold your work as you go along. </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One
place <u>not</u> to hold work is on your lap - slipping with the blade and
hitting one of the arteries running inside your thigh wouldn't be a
great way to finish your carving! </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another
place to get further info might be through the local occupational
therapy unit. They may well have ideas for techniques and devices
that could be adapted or repurposed to enable easier carving.</span></span></div>
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hope that this information is useful to you and encourages you to
give carving a go if you are considering trying it and have the use of one hand only. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have experienced carving one-handed and would like to comment or add to what has been written here, please do. I'd be very interested to hear other thoughts and ideas. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you do decide to have a go at carving and make something that you
feel happy to share, please feel free to send me an image. I'd love to see what
you create! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-23682130511877841792017-06-16T03:35:00.001-07:002018-03-20T10:51:11.811-07:00Carving the 'Jackie Collins Inspirational Woman of the Year' award 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0kmJV-eci4/WUOuP4eOS-I/AAAAAAAAGbA/4DuiTHS8xx89xUKh96Tu37pK2e8lQWZMACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN4044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="carved wooden bowl for penny brohn uk" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0kmJV-eci4/WUOuP4eOS-I/AAAAAAAAGbA/4DuiTHS8xx89xUKh96Tu37pK2e8lQWZMACLcBGAs/s640/DSCN4044.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last year, I was commissioned to <a href="http://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/carving-award-for-penny-brohn-uk-to-be.html" target="_blank">make this award</a> for the <a href="https://www.pennybrohn.org.uk/" target="_blank">Penny Brohn UK</a> cancer charity. It was a real pleasure to be asked to do the same this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The award was to be presented to <a href="http://www.joloves.com/" target="_blank">Jo Malone</a> MBE, who is well-known for creating perfumes and fragrances. I used timber from a cedar tree that was cut down in the grounds of the charity's offices in Bristol, which was an off-cut left over after making the 2016 award.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHqonuiy3EQ/WUOvNL_UetI/AAAAAAAAGbI/_aL3JY8WjBg8V1gRGbJXR1DhmKVPeeKwQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170405_155437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHqonuiy3EQ/WUOvNL_UetI/AAAAAAAAGbI/_aL3JY8WjBg8V1gRGbJXR1DhmKVPeeKwQCLcBGAs/s400/20170405_155437.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The award was designed to be the kind of thing that Jo would like to have. Apparently she is a very practical person, so it made sense to produce an award that would have a practical use. A bowl seemed ideal, as it can be both beautiful and useful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The shape was inspired by the leaf of a <a href="http://gardentia.net/2013/12/04/shaddock-pomellopummelo-papnas-sakharlimbu-chakotra-mahanimbu/" target="_blank">pomelo</a>, which is the key scent note in Jo's new line of 'Jo Loves' fragrances. These leaves are quite distinctive, having secondary leaflets coming off the petiole (the stem of the leaf).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Image from: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/moorea/dicots2.html</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It seemed appropriate to use cedar wood to make the bowl for a person who works with scents, as the wood has such a distinctive smell of its own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of the shaping was done with power tools, for speed and also because I find that power tools often give a better result when working with softwoods such as cedar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The words carved onto the bowl - 'Passion, Resilience and Creativity' - were chosen by someone who works closely with Jo, as they were felt to be particularly important to her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bowl was finished with a good-quality finishing oil and was presented to Jo at the end of May 2017. Here's a photo, supplied by Penny Brohn UK and used with their permission:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-73691329190917058662017-05-28T04:58:00.003-07:002018-01-12T04:21:03.410-08:00Seventeenth century carvings, filming locations and stories of ghosts at Chavenage house in Gloucestershire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.chavenage.com/" target="_blank">Chavenage House</a> is situated near Tetbury in <a href="http://www.the-cotswolds.org/" target="_blank">the Cotswolds</a>. It may seem familiar to some readers, as it's been used as a filming location for many films and television series, including being Trenwith house in the most recent adaptations of Winston Graham's <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07pn8mz" target="_blank">Poldark</a> novels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The house has only been owned by two families since the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The approach that you can see above is very much as it was left by Edward Stephens in 1576.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Edward's grandson was Colonel Nathaniel Stephens, who was Member of Parliament for Gloucestershire during the English Civil War. He was a somewhat reluctant party to the execution of Charles the First and <a href="http://www.olivercromwell.org/" target="_blank">Oliver Cromwell </a>is said to have stayed in the tapestry-lined bedroom which can be seen on the first floor in the wing on the left in the photo above.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The picture of Cromwell on the wall staring down at the bed is more than a little creepy, as is the tiepin on display set with two clear crystals that cover pieces of the hair of Charles the First, which were cut from his head after it had been chopped from his body.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The adjoining bedroom is named after Cromwell's general and son-in-law Henry Ireton. It is also lined with tapestries and is full of Civil War weapons and armour, including these firearms:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is also a leather hat cover hanging on a wall, over what looks to be an Elizabethan or early Stuart carved </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">over mantle</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A chair in the corner of the Ireton room is said to have been sat in by Nathaniel Stephens himself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The house, and the Cromwell room especially, have many </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire/focus/2003/05/ghost/ghosts_chavenage.shtml" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">ghost stories</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> attached to them. On the <a href="http://www.chavenage.com/history.html" target="_blank">website for Chavenage</a>, one can read the well-known tale of the curse of the Stephens family:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>'After the cessation of hostilities whilst Charles I was imprisoned, it became apparent to Cromwell that the King would have to be executed in order to stop any form of Royalist uprisings. To this end he sent Ireton to Chavenage, to try to persuade Colonel Stephens to add his support to the regicide. Ireton arrived whilst Colonel Stephens was keeping the festival of Christmas in 1648. Stephens, known as a mild man, had shown much irresolution in deciding upon sacrificing the life of King Charles I and was on the verge of wavering when Ireton reached his destination. It is said that they sat up all night and eventually Ireton obtained from Stephens his very reluctant acquiescence. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Shortly after his daughter Abigail returned from having passed the New Year elsewhere, she, in a fit of horror and anger, laid a curse on her father for bringing the name Stephens into such disrepute. The story goes that the Colonel was soon taken terminally ill and never rose from his bed again. When the Lord of the Manor died and all were assembled for his funeral, a hearse drew up at the door of the manor house driven by a headless man, and the Colonel was seen to rise from his coffin and enter the hearse after a profound reverence to the headless personage, who as he drove away assumed the shape of the martyr King, Charles I - this being regarded as retribution for the Colonel's disloyalty to the King. Thereafter until the line became extinct, whenever the head of the family died, the same ghost of the King appeared to carry him off.' </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Cromwell room has even been exorcised on the orders of the present owner's grandmother. Did I see anything there? I'm afraid not, although I would say that that room felt </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">noticeably</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> colder than the rest of the house (but that could just be due to it being at the end of a wing).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More carvings can be seen in the Oak Room, which dates to Elizabethan times and has carved panelling that is often dated at 1590. However, it clearly shows the date </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1627, which was during</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> the reign of Charles the First. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think that the representations of the musicians and dancers are some of the most beautiful carvings that I have seen from this period.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More seventeenth century carvings can be seen in the Great Hall, which was also originally Elizabethan but was modified during the Stuart period.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are some fine character heads on the wall of the chapel that is attached to the house. Apparently, this tower was built as a folly in the seventeenth century before being turned into the chapel.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JryjMA9pij8/WSq4jtdS3XI/AAAAAAAAGaI/LmL16ZonAsQHJ2qT3xw2bvLyj-ahHQYdwCLcB/s1600/DSCN3977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="stone carved face" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JryjMA9pij8/WSq4jtdS3XI/AAAAAAAAGaI/LmL16ZonAsQHJ2qT3xw2bvLyj-ahHQYdwCLcB/s400/DSCN3977.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another folly can also be seen to the left of the driveway, hidden in the trees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was lucky enough to be shown around on this visit by a friend who has visited the house many times as a locations manager on productions such as Wolf Hall, New Worlds and Poldark. Thanks to Leon and also to Caroline Lowsley-Williams, the current manager who very kindly gave us access to see the fascinating history and carvings of Chavenage.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-W0-C852gY/WSq64Bb6eBI/AAAAAAAAGas/zGPUxn9kV6wGnSMqHQHFpej2L5V1RjfMgCLcB/s1600/DSCN3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chavenage house" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-W0-C852gY/WSq64Bb6eBI/AAAAAAAAGas/zGPUxn9kV6wGnSMqHQHFpej2L5V1RjfMgCLcB/s640/DSCN3972.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-85118733094877244892017-04-26T10:06:00.000-07:002018-01-12T04:22:01.722-08:00Carving or painting? The emblem of the Hull City Tigers made using woodcarving techniques, wood bleach and stain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnylMg7UdCU/WQBz3Gec6nI/AAAAAAAAGXM/NmBZpaGoW5cZMW_blO3xffOa2FQaDxJcACLcB/s1600/20170418_114604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hull city tigers" border="0" height="384" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnylMg7UdCU/WQBz3Gec6nI/AAAAAAAAGXM/NmBZpaGoW5cZMW_blO3xffOa2FQaDxJcACLcB/s640/20170418_114604.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This piece was commissioned as a surprise gift for some fans of the Hull City football (or soccer for readers in the US!) team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At first, I considered carving the emblem in relief but felt that it would lose something if made too different from the two-dimensional version. The tiger was carved with a Dremel rotary tool and some traditional gouges instead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Dremel gave texture to the fur and more definition to areas like the mouth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It still didn't jump out enough, so I decided to use stain and bleach to 'paint' the design too. This would hopefully allow the oak timber to show through without covering it over, in the way that paint often can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The stain was <a href="http://www.colron.co.uk/" target="_blank">Colron dark oak</a>. This is suitable for indoor use - many exterior dark oak stains such as '<a href="http://www.rustins.eu/Details.asp?ProductID=748" target="_blank">Rustins quick dry</a>' can be very thick and obscure wood grain details. I particularly liked the way that this stain could be painted over to give a deeper tone - similar to watercolour paints.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next, the bleaching. There are several kinds of wood bleach on the market. Some (such as <a href="http://www.liberon.co.uk/product/wood-bleacher/" target="_blank">Liberon</a> wood bleacher) are oxalic acid and are good for removing iron stain and watermarks from wood, but they don't actually lighten it much (if at all). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chlorine bleaches (as in domestic bleach) don't seem to do much to oak timber either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used <a href="http://www.rustins.eu/Details.asp?ProductID=642" target="_blank">Rustin's two part bleach</a>. The two chemicals that are mixed in it are caustic soda and hydrogen peroxide - neither of them particularly friendly. If you use this stuff, read the advice on the label carefully and follow it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It certainly did lighten the wood nicely and didn't spread out too much either. If you'd like to try bleaching wood, there's some useful tips on the <a href="http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/bleaching-wood-t3075.html" target="_blank">ukworkshop forum</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-TKbUWg_VI/WQB70LwCMYI/AAAAAAAAGXo/Dnqtx5ly3kg8bQbkylmVlzhFuc9bzp8OwCLcB/s1600/20170410_150103.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="hull city emblem" border="0" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-TKbUWg_VI/WQB70LwCMYI/AAAAAAAAGXo/Dnqtx5ly3kg8bQbkylmVlzhFuc9bzp8OwCLcB/s640/20170410_150103.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few coats of Danish oil to complete it and the plaque was finished!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-82370617546329751932017-03-15T06:37:00.000-07:002018-01-12T04:24:15.107-08:00Ancient and modern woodworking on the Somerset Levels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9RgJi8utFk/WMaRakAIFlI/AAAAAAAAGUg/40M0nOQDejAH_Q2vLezjy1H_lpiBVi4dwCLcB/s1600/DSC00431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Somerset Levels Avalon Marshes" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9RgJi8utFk/WMaRakAIFlI/AAAAAAAAGUg/40M0nOQDejAH_Q2vLezjy1H_lpiBVi4dwCLcB/s640/DSC00431.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://avalonmarshes.org/" target="_blank">Avalon Marshes </a>are three nature reserves (Shapwick Heath, Westhay Moor and Ham Wall) on the <a href="http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/countryside/somerset-levels-and-moors" target="_blank">Somerset Levels</a>, not far from Glastonbury. The wetlands are formed from the remains of peat workings that have since filled with water to form a valuable habitat for many kinds of birds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As part of new work at Westhay Moor, the <a href="http://www.somersetwildlife.org/" target="_blank">Somerset Wildlife Trust</a> had commissioned me to carve designs drawn by children at a local school onto two larch boards, each about 3 metres (8 feet) long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First, I enlarged the drawings and reproduced them onto the boards using a grid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next, the designs were carved using a Dremel, a small drill which had a burr-shaped cutter mounted onto it. I have found that carving into some softwoods (like larch) using power tools can sometimes give a better result than using traditional hand tools, no matter how well-sharpened they are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The designs were then painted in with durable black gloss paint and finished with a finishing oil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While out at the site to deliver the boards to the Trust, we took the chance to explore a bit. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wcz1hNEuUeI/WMk5d6lzkDI/AAAAAAAAGVE/1fg1PY2N6WgCrfcd-aE5ZzSgLnVazfURgCLcB/s1600/DSC00427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Westhay Moor" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wcz1hNEuUeI/WMk5d6lzkDI/AAAAAAAAGVE/1fg1PY2N6WgCrfcd-aE5ZzSgLnVazfURgCLcB/s640/DSC00427.JPG" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The marshes were beautiful and quiet, with only a few dedicated bird watchers about. We heard a <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/c/cettiswarbler/" target="_blank">Cetti's warbler</a> and saw a <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/r/reedbunting/" target="_blank">reed bunting</a>; so we got in some birdwatching too. There were several carvings dotted about the marshes that were also interesting to see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sculpture shown below refers to the <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/s/starling/roosting.aspx" target="_blank">murmurations of starlings</a>, which the reserves are famous for. In winter, millions of starlings roost here and on clear, cold evenings and mornings they <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQLaA9tvxuU" target="_blank">swoop and swirl</a> in great clouds over the reeds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While visiting Westhay Moor, I couldn't miss going to see a new bird hide that was designed and built by my friend Tom Redfern and his colleagues at <a href="http://www.roundwooddesign.co.uk/" target="_blank">Roundwood Design</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The two-storey hide is reached via a causeway and gives a great view out over a pool that is very popular with many different kinds of birds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you go inside, the roundwood framing that Tom specialises in becomes visible. I think you will agree that it looks great.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yL6y5B7sP9c/WMnHojIyVkI/AAAAAAAAGWU/5W4R8ZgBDO8kXO9W1_GIHhUy3fOHMj7GgCLcB/s1600/DSC00438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="round wood timber framing" border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yL6y5B7sP9c/WMnHojIyVkI/AAAAAAAAGWU/5W4R8ZgBDO8kXO9W1_GIHhUy3fOHMj7GgCLcB/s400/DSC00438.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's two photos taken by Tom showing how the hide looks with my boards fixed to it:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This area has also turned up many pieces of very important archaeology. The marshy, peaty ground preserves wooden artefacts well as the lack of oxygen prevents decomposition. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second oldest walkway ever discovered in Northern Europe was found very nearby - the '<a href="http://avalonmarshes.org/the-avalon-marshes/heritage/sweet-track/" target="_blank">Sweet Track</a>'. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image by E. Mortalmans from http://avalonmarshes.org/the-avalon-marshes/heritage/sweet-track/</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Found in 1970 and named after its discoverer, Ray Sweet, the 2 kilometre (1.24 miles) long track was constructed in either 3807 or 3808 BCE along the course of an older walkway, known as the 'Post Track'. It was only in use for about 10 years before being abandoned but many finds have been made around it, including an unused jadeite axe head that was created from rock which originated in the Alps.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/11000</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many <a href="http://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/record/11000" target="_blank">wooden artefacts</a> were also found, including pins made from yew timber, a throwing axe, four paddles and a small wooden doll that could have been a child's toy or a votive offering. They are preserved in different museums now but most of the Sweet Track is still where it was found, although not visible to the public. It is buried again, with a system in place to ensure constant immersion in water so that it doesn't dry out and start to decay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-76962717936829957832017-02-07T04:43:00.000-08:002018-01-12T04:26:20.320-08:00Exploring Bristol with Hazen Audel: craftsman and presenter of 'Primal Survivor' on the National Geographic channel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7j8omEo32I/WJY5NxM1bDI/AAAAAAAAGS0/Pe0dw_g-cSMJW0zIX9W4ynnkhvgW4XRKwCLcB/s1600/DSC00459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="meeting Hazen Audel" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7j8omEo32I/WJY5NxM1bDI/AAAAAAAAGS0/Pe0dw_g-cSMJW0zIX9W4ynnkhvgW4XRKwCLcB/s640/DSC00459.JPG" title="" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hazen Audel was in Bristol doing some work connected to the show that he presents, called '<a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/survive-the-tribe/" target="_blank">Primal Survivor</a>'. As well as his television work, he is also a very keen <a href="http://www.hazenaudelartworks.com/" target="_blank">craftsman</a>, working particularly with metal and wood. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few weeks previously, I'd been running a woodcarving tutorial for Alex, who has worked with him on the series for <a href="http://www.iconfilms.co.uk/" target="_blank">Icon Films</a>. He knew that Hazen would love finding out more about the handmade objects and historic buildings to be seen in the city and thought that it would be great if I could show him around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always enjoy meeting other makers, particularly those with an interest in woodworking, so was very happy to do it. In fact, the prospect of exploring the city that I know pretty well with someone who was see</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> a lot of it for the first time (and who is also interested in making stuff) </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">was really exciting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First of all, we visited the <a href="http://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/carvings-from-last-nine-hundred-years.html" target="_blank">Cathedral</a>. The very first thing was an Anglo-Saxon sculpture that is around a thousand years </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">old. We also got to see the <a href="http://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-fascinating-and-sometimes-very-rude.html" target="_blank">misericords</a>, including one which I believe shows one of the first turkeys ever brought back to Britain. Straightaway, Hazen noticed the beautiful, elaborate hand-forged iron gates and door hinges around the Cathedral; pointing out stunning constructions that I would almost certainly have just walked past if there on my own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next was a visit to the Central library to see the <a href="http://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/grinling-gibbons-in-bristol-hidden.html" target="_blank">Grinling Gibbons </a><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>overmantle</u></span>. This had to be included on the itinerary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the librarians very kindly took time to show us the room in which the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">overmantle is kept and to point out some of the other treasures in there, such as this beautifully designed <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/t/the-arts-and-crafts-movement/" target="_blank">Arts and Crafts</a> chair which neatly converts into steps to access high shelves.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8f2Y6WpbVY/WJjwLUR8klI/AAAAAAAAGTE/0xLZAnQ2nTUizTbCed9en4IPHh3QFW_KgCLcB/s1600/DSC00442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arts and Crafts chair" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8f2Y6WpbVY/WJjwLUR8klI/AAAAAAAAGTE/0xLZAnQ2nTUizTbCed9en4IPHh3QFW_KgCLcB/s400/DSC00442.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next, we walked over to </span><a href="http://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/links-to-matthew-in-st-mary-redcliffe.html" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">St Mary Redcliffe</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> church to see the stone carvings and a whale rib that is reputed to be one of the first things ever brought back from the New World to Europe on John Cabot's ship. A bone seems a curious object to have been chosen but in those days such an object must have been like bringing back a chest full of gold: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"There are huge whales there and no one is hunting them!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also pointed out the roof bosses under the tower. One shows a very rare image of a <a href="http://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/revisiting-green-man-mysterious-image.html" target="_blank">green man</a>-like dog or cow. Nearby is another carving showing a man defecating! Medieval Christian attitudes to religious buildings </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">were certainly very different to modern ones - see if you can spot both of them in the picture below:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a walk along <a href="http://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/recycling-in-17th-century-bristol.html" target="_blank">King Street</a> (which contains many 17th century buildings) and dropping in at Icon Film's offices, we stopped off at the <a href="http://thehatchet.co.uk/wp/" target="_blank">Hatchet Inn</a> for lunch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Hatchet is reputed to have first got a license to sell alcohol in 1606, making it the oldest pub in Bristol. Before that it was Frogmore farm and monastery. Legend has it that the pub door has a layer of human skin from an executed felon, hidden under layers of paint and tar. If you are wondering about ghosts; well, I've had strange experiences in there before - but that's another story!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After finishing lunch, we headed up to <a href="http://www.bristol-design.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bristol Design</a>. This second-hand tool shop is a must-see for anyone who loves working with tools and Hazen had been there before, so we had a chat about them and then headed on, stopping occasionally to look more closely at things of interest on the way, such as the <a href="http://carvingswithstories.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/bristol-byzantine-and-cafe-wall-illusion.html" target="_blank">Cafe Wall illusion</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After walking down Jacobs Wells Road, we headed over to my studio at Bower Ashton. This route gave a chance to look at the Hotwells area of Bristol, the Harbour and to see the Suspension Bridge spanning the Avon Gorge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Several of the members of the <a href="http://www.forestofavonproducts.co.uk/" target="_blank">Forest of Avon Products</a> cooperative who have workshops at the Bower Ashton Woodyard were about and chatted to Hazen about the wide variety of projects that they were working on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After visiting my own workshop, the weather had taken a turn for the worse and it had been a long day so he got a taxi back to where he was staying in town.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all, it had been a very enjoyable day. It was great to spend time with Hazen and it also made me realise how, even though we packed in a lot of things, there was still so much we hadn't had the chance to see in Bristol in one day. When given the opportunity to explore the place that you live with fresh eyes, it quickly becomes apparent how much is taken for granted or passed by in ignorance each day. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-21141644242082081652017-02-01T09:02:00.001-08:002018-01-12T04:27:28.263-08:00A drum stool with a difference! Making carved wooden drums as seats<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The story of this project begins last summer...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had been invited to make some carvings for <a href="http://gwaliafarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gwalia farm</a> near Machynlleth in North Wales, in return for a stay there</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> at their stunning 'Cabin by the Lake'. This beautiful spot has a private lake, canoe and wood-fired hot tub.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luckily, an oak tree on the farm had just dropped a large branch and so there was plenty of timber to carve!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cabin was missing some nice seating around the fire, so by the end of the week I'd carved an owl stool...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As well as a stool with a carving of a Natterer's bat (as a few of them were flying around the cabin at dusk).The second stool also had slits cut into it, to make bars which made a note when struck. They are a bit similar to a West African '<a href="https://www.gambia.co.uk/blog/the-krin-the-african-log-drum">krin</a>' drum:</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cW-i6G9N_4/WJIH_mj3wQI/AAAAAAAAGRE/QQqCRXQMOb0pIUSyqZV06sBa_HUrCIDjQCLcB/s1600/DSCN2729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Natterer's bat carving in oak wood" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cW-i6G9N_4/WJIH_mj3wQI/AAAAAAAAGRE/QQqCRXQMOb0pIUSyqZV06sBa_HUrCIDjQCLcB/s400/DSCN2729.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I really liked the drum idea and showed a few people when back in Bristol. Jono at <a href="http://touchwoodplay.co.uk/" target="_blank">Touchwood Play</a> realised that the drum stools would work very well in a new project that they were working on. After making a couple more examples to refine the idea, I was commissioned to make six of the stools.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First there was a trip out to Backwell, near Bristol, to look at the oak timber available. It had to be of a certain diameter to make a good stool. Once the logs were back at my workshop, the hard work began!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gx08ibfCPH0/WJIMRBYKt7I/AAAAAAAAGRo/5KZYvKmVfq8J7aYaxRTx9QxOiP2_Mae5QCLcB/s1600/DSC00293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bower Ashton woodyard" border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gx08ibfCPH0/WJIMRBYKt7I/AAAAAAAAGRo/5KZYvKmVfq8J7aYaxRTx9QxOiP2_Mae5QCLcB/s400/DSC00293.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Firstly, the logs were cut to size, the bark removed using a mallet and chisel and then the stools were smoothed to remove tool marks. I used a chainsaw to cut the bars into the logs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bars then needed to be sanded and cleaned up, which took a lot of time. Once that had been done, I carved two rows of ridges onto each stool, to make an effect a little bit similar to an instrument called a '<a href="http://www.marcdedouvan.com/en/instru.php?instru=guiro" target="_blank">guiro</a>'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The drums still needed sticks to play them with. These were turned from locally-grown hornbeam timber. Hornbeam is a very tough wood, traditionally used to make butcher's chopping blocks and the teeth for large cogs, such as in mill workings. It was perfect for this job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sticks were chained onto the drums using good-quality stainless steel chain (as stainless steel doesn't react with and discolour oak, unlike normal iron or steel). There was also a hole drilled into each drum to hold the sticks when not in use. The chain is attached halfway along the stick to avoid it making a dangerous looping foot snare when stored in its holder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The drums just needed a few coats of finishing oil and they were done. Using a tuning app on a phone, we also managed to find out what notes the different bars made. There was a surprising range! Quite a few were A or B, but one played three C notes with an octave between each. Others played Gs and Fs. You can hear them on this Youtube video:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd like to refine the tuning methods on future drums, although the tuning on these drums will probably change a bit over time anyway, as the wood dries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I did notice that small cracks in the oak, formed during seasoning, didn't seem to affect the sound much at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The drums will eventually be mounted in a circle onto a wooden platform in a play tower. They will be fixed down using large screws, so that they can't fall over or be thrown and injure anyone. To allow them to resonate and make a good sound, there will be rubber feet under each one. I've placed wooden sticks under them in these photos to allow a good resonance when playing them in the workshop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4525461965645261532.post-59711183723828862492017-01-02T09:15:00.000-08:002018-01-12T04:28:06.224-08:00Carving a scene featuring a canoe from the North American pioneer days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This picture, slightly larger than an A4 sheet of paper in size, was commissioned as a gift. The recipient loves his canoe and so the person who commissioned me to make it wanted the panel to show a canoe being used in a historical setting, as well as an otter and a heron (which were favourites of the person receiving the present).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Luckily the grey heron that is commonly seen along European waterways has a North American cousin, the great blue heron, which looks similar apart from being slightly bigger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The oak panel was carved using a mix of traditional tools and a Dremel hand drill. The drill was used to give the texturing effects to the woodlands in the background.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The mountain man and his Algonquin friend/guide look more surprised than overjoyed to see the heron take flight. Maybe they are carefully watching to see exactly what disturbed it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think that the picture has the feel of a 'Boy's Own' style illustration from the 1940s or 50s, which is perfect! I'm also very pleased with the way that the grain of the wood adds to the feel of movement in the image.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm also happy to let you know that Kirsty, who commissioned the carving, was very pleased with it. She wrote on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bristolwoodcarver/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> to say:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I'm extremely honoured and happy to have commissioned this beautiful plaque. You're a hugely talented fella, </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=867610113&extragetparams=%7B%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/alistair.park.54?hc_location=ufi" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Alistair</a><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">. The whole process, from conception to passing it over to the delighted recipient, was wonderful x'</span>Alistairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16375556738066106681noreply@blogger.com0