Commissions 2

Commissions come in all shapes and sizes. I enjoy the challenge of making replacement turnings for people. Most of my work is free form – I can choose what shape I want. Bowls, pots, vases, tea light holders. they are all things that give me the chance to look at a piece of wood and make the best I can from that particular piece of wood. If there is a rotten bit in the wood I can change the shape, it doesn’t matter. So it is good having the occasional challenge of turning something exactly like another piece. Since  the original was turned by someone else there is also the feeling of having to get inside his (sic!) skin, turning the piece with someone else’s hands.

Commissions for a replica usually mean replacement knobs or finials for a private individual. But not always. Sometimes I am asked to use my turning skills for a more unusual commission.

A local carpenter was repairing the clock tower in a nearby town. When some of the turning work on this tower was rotten he asked me to replace the pieces.

Sometimes a picture says more than any amount of words. Here are the replacement pieces and in situ.

I have to admit to looking twice usually when I walk by.