TOURBILLON

A centrepiece display table spiral-carved from stack-laminated solid sycamore wood. Scorched, scrubbed and oiled base, with a white oiled and waxed textured top.

Dimensions: W 640mm x D 640mm x H 720mm 

Tourbillon \ French: noun \ toor-bee-yon

A vortex, especially of a whirlwind or whirlpool.

Tourbillon is a dynamic, expressive and tactile piece, understated in its colouring but bold enough in form and movement to take centre stage in a grand hallway or reception space.

The carved texture of the base wraps around the tapering form, transitioning seamlessly from the conical base to the underside of the table top in a vortex-like form. A subtler texture on the silky pale top echoes the maelstrom beneath but presents a much calmer character.

Under certain lights the heavy, dark texture of the base is reminiscent of patinated cast bronze, whilst the pale creamy white top speaks more of ceramic or stone. The extreme contrasts between the colours and textures showcase the versatility of the relatively humble sycamore wood, and demonstrate a sample of the range of effects possible through combinations of simple carving, burning and basic finishing techniques.

Further experimentation with different patterns, materials and scale are ongoing in the studio.