Branching Out Exhibition

According to Andrew Varah, chairman of The Liveries Wood Group, woodworking skills are 'as good, if not better, today than at any other time'. This being one of the reasons behind a new exhibition called 'Branching Out' conceived by himself, and being displayed at the Arboretum Trust, Kew at Castle Howard in York.

Giving several designers and celebrities a 15cm long piece of a dead oak tree, the idea was that they were to be turned into pieces of art and design which could then be signed and auctioned off for charity. Many pieces show different types of woodworking skills such as turning and carving to cabinet-making. And designwise many of the chosen designers used their specific design skills to create something relating to their interests such as a pencil holder/sharpener by Sebastian Conran.

Although having only read about this exhibition, I found the idea incredibly innovative. It highlights the way in which materials that may otherwise be thrown away can be reused and turned into pieces of art. It required each individual to manipulate something using their imagination and skills in an individual way. Some of the designs were incredibly intricate and clever including a beautiful sculpture by Joey Richardson (see below).