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traditional turning

Artisan of the Year 2009

Heritage Craft Association


Robin's book

replicas for re-enactors

replicas for museums


how the bowls are made

timber & preparation

lathe & tools

finishing the bowls


Lailey commemoration

man vs machine

meeting Robin Hood

Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace

replicas for re-enactors

Robin's definitive book on the history of the wooden bowl.

All my woodware is produced without compromise on original production methods - these are the real thing produced for the most demanding clients.

Like the originals they are produced in short production runs using individual, hand-selected trees, so at any one time I may not have all products/sizes in stock.

I supply any items by mail order and am happy to advise on suitability for your period. I also make items to commission from archaeological drawings or originals, contact me for details.


what's right for my period?

Pre 1100: Archaeological evidence suggests that only bowls were used, not plates. The commonest wood was Alder and most were 6"-8" in size, though some have been found up to 12".

Medieval (c.1066-1500): To drink from, you could either use a normal small bowl or a special drinking bowl with a fine rim like a mazer. Bowls were still in use for eating and plates also were in evidence from c.1300, although not as commonly found as bowls. Wooden spoons were also commonly used.

Tudor to 18th Century: Bowls, plates and spoons were in use as above - plates like the "Mary Rose" design plate I make continued in use into the 20th century!

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