For some time, I have followed the exploits of an American woodturner called Pill Anderson. He operates from his Shady Acres home in the northwest of the USA, his works of art are made from logs most people would throw away. Phil strives to highlight the natural beauty whilst keeping as much bark as possible. This is my tribute to him.
This vessel began as part of a 4" Iroko roof joist — gifted by a friend who had found it in a loft years ago and held onto it, hoping it might one day find purpose. To honour its heft, the bowl was turned in two parts: a rounded form with a pedestal base. I doubt he imagined it would become a striking fruit bowl.
Taken from the trunk of Crack Willow tree that hung over my workshop. The tree had two trunks and had become unbalanced and dangerous. Removing one trunk has rebalanced the tree allowing it to survive for a while longer.
This bowl from an old tree that originally came from Harrogate Yorkshire. Somehow it found its way to the Wood Place. a saw mill near Auchengray. I try to keep my wood selection to Scottish trees, but I could not resist the chance to work this beautiful peace.
The final piece from a beautiful cherry tree that once stood in Harrogate, Yorkshire. It eventually made its way to the Wood Place sawmill near Auchengray. I usually stick to Scottish timber, but this wood was too special to pass up.
This is one of three small bowls turned from the branch of a Yew tree. I purchased the piece from a furniture maker and saw mill owner in Lanarkshire. I was informed that it came from an old church yard in Argyll that was up routed in a storm.
In 2022, a twin-trunk crack Willow tree was bifurcated during a storm. When one of its limbs fell across a pathway in Bankton Park, it had to be relocated to the side. As a woodturner in constant search of greenwood, I viewed it as a valuable opportunity. This little bowl features a Bark inclusion enhanced by a little opal coloured resin.
At the top of Robins Lane in Murieston, a magnificent Beech tree once stood, its presence both commanding and historic. Sadly, West Lothian Council decided to cut it down, citing it as a potential hazard. Fortunately, I managed to persuade the team leader to let me keep a log from this remarkable tree. It was a shame to see it go, especially as it was perfectly healthy despite its age. This bowl is one of two I managed to salvage from that precious piece.
This piece originates from a Red Oak tree, a broadleaf deciduous species native to North America. Valued for its vibrant autumn hues, it was primarily planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens—just like the one where this particular specimen was found. After coming down in Eliburn Park, it was recovered for me by a friend, offering a chance to preserve and transform its beauty into something lasting
In 2022, a two-trunk willow tree split in half during a storm. When the fallen limb landed across one of the paths in Bankton Park, it had to be dragged to the side. As a woodturner always seeking greenwood, this situation provided me, along with my trusty chainsaw, the opportunity to gather some of the wood and turn it into attractive items
In 2022, a two-trunk Crack Willow tree split in half during a storm. When the fallen limb landed across one of the paths in Bankton Park, it had to be dragged to the side. As a woodturner always seeking greenwood, this situation provided me, along with my trusty chainsaw, the opportunity to gather some of the wood and turn it into attractive items
Rooted in respect.where the wood comes from