Our work
The picture above shows a temple in China where trees are cherished and loved.
Through a series of books planned for publication in 2023/24 we aim to promote the allure of wood in all its forms. Readers will be captivated by topics ranging from the creation and ownership of historical artifacts made from wood to the evolution of trees from ancient times until today.
Box Elder Beetles
The little devils bore into the trunks of the American Box Elder trees causing the trees to produce brilliant crimson streaks on an otherwise ivory white wood.
See a box made from it in 'Echoes of the Past'
French Chocolate Box
When chocolate treats became very popular in 19thC France, no box was too extravagant for it. Read in 'Messengers in Time' about this one and how the death of a soldier in the Foreign Legion left his lover broken hearted.
Gudigars of India
The Gudigars of western India are still the greatest ever carvers of sacred sandalwood - Santalum album.
These hereditary craftsmen are still working (they have a website!) but the sandalwood trees are totally under the control of the Government of Mysore.
Rosewood
There are 33 species of tree all called 'rosewood'. Identification is tricky but this example is Indian rosewood.
They are indigenous to Asia, Africa and south America and all are subject to illicit poaching for their valuable timber.
Thuya (pronounced twee-ya)
The favored wood of Roman emperors and Queen Cleopatra. Found exclusively in the Atlas mountains of Morocco, it needs to be dug out of the ground as nodules the size of footballs.
Its story is told in 'Echoes from the Past'
The Survivor Tree
The only plant to survive in the ruins of the twin towers attack in New York. The brave little tree was rescued from the rubble and nursed back to health before being replanted close to the 911 memorial.
Its fight for survival is an inspiration to all who see it.
Chinese Box Wood
.Every one of these trees is now tagged, numbered and protected by the Chinese government. This statue was carved from one of them years ago.
Notice how the heartwood is darker than the outer sapwood and the artist has used this color difference to great effect.
Illicit Rosewood
The trade in endangered rosewood which the Chinese call 'hongmu' is a multibillion, transnational business.
Here we see an illegal distribution point in Shenzhen, China.
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