VIDEO: Furniture made to last from Sherwood Forest’s fallen trees in Southwell Minster exhibition

FURNITURE from the past was made to last but in the throwaway society of today many people prefer to change their chairs as often as they change their shoes.
Forest 2 Furniture exhibition at Southwell Minster. Furniture maker, Patrick Turk.Forest 2 Furniture exhibition at Southwell Minster. Furniture maker, Patrick Turk.
Forest 2 Furniture exhibition at Southwell Minster. Furniture maker, Patrick Turk.

Craftsman Patrick Turk is returning to the roots of quality furniture using wood from old oaks hundreds of years old and transforming them not only into furniture for the future but works of art.

In his latest exhibition, the Forest 2 Furniture creator is displaying a number of items in his collection of works at Southwell Minster’s Chapter House until 30th April.

Examples include many items crafted from fallen or storm damaged trees from Sherwood Forest.

Forest 2 Furniture exhibition at Southwell Minster. Furniture maker, Patrick Turk.Forest 2 Furniture exhibition at Southwell Minster. Furniture maker, Patrick Turk.
Forest 2 Furniture exhibition at Southwell Minster. Furniture maker, Patrick Turk.

“It takes three years from the time the tree is recovered to begin working with it to make a piece of furniture,” explained Patrick who set up his own business as a cabinet-maker and restorer in 1986 before establishing Forest 2 Furniture in 2006.

“It’s a long process but some of the trees date back to 1660 so it is about making furniture with history which I am passionate about.”

Patrick uses traditional oak, sweet chesnuts and English yews, which boasts 14 different natural colours its grain, to produce one-off hand-made pieces.

“I hope the exhibition will act to reconnect people with the woodland and how furniture used to be made and how it can be made still,” added Patrick who is contacted by people wanting to recycle fallen, felled or storm-damaged trees.

“I want people to come and touch the furniture and feel passionate about it like I do.

“I also aim to educate visitors about its history and also about the protection of the woodlands as I think there is a lack of connection with nature in children who are discouraged from climbing trees because of the ‘danger’.

“We are also part of a ‘want it now’ society where people are not prepared to wait and want instant gratification.

“My furniture by way of the process is all about appreciating the wood and knowing it will last for many years to come.”

Patrick’s work is attracting attention from overseas’ clients who are impressed not only with the craftsmanship but in the trees’ history.

He produces about 15 pieces a year ranging from tables, box settles, benches and bookcases with each piece coming complete with a map of its origin.

“My overseas customers seem to really appreciate the wood for its historical Sherwood Forest connections.”

For more information visit www.forest2furniture.co.uk.