hazel.grades.summer*

It all began in late 2020 with a ///what3words text message that lead to getting lost in the misty moors and forestry roads of Royal Balmoral in between those pesky Covid lockdowns.

James and I were meeting at the home and workshop of master craftsman Tom Addy to discuss the potential brand for his new Braemar based Showroom and Whisky Tasting venue - Tor.

The project and subsequent relationship that developed with Tom and the team at FortyTwo over the months were a highlight of that time and lead to another hugely interesting project we are very proud to be part of - Ash Rise.

Now exhibiting at the Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh (with a small tour following in 2025), Ashrise is a creative partnership between Scottish Furniture Makers Association, Scottish Forestry, and Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers, celebrating the ash tree and highlighting the effects of ash dieback through the work of 20 outstanding contemporary makers, designers, and artists from across Scotland.

Kicking off back in early 2022, we were first commissioned to help develop the name, visual brand and initial materials required to launch the initiative across the country. As the artists and makers were commissioned, we continued our involvement and became a key partner for the project right up to launch.

Getting involved in such projects and seeing our work alongside such exquisite craftsmanship is one of the gifts of doing what we do. However, don’t take my word for it - visit the exhibition and find out how important ash wood has been to us historically, how pernicious and destructive dieback continues to be and how a select group have embraced this challenge and created an incredible collection.

A handmade kayak, a hooded chair and a guitar in ash and concrete are among the innovative design objects created, the variety of pieces commissioned only matched by their individual beauty.

And if I were able to pick my own 3 words now that ably reflected our experience on this project?

Beautiful. Grateful. Authentic.

Some further reading on Ash Rise and the die back condition it is highlighting.

https://lnkd.in/e_Qv4GU3

https://lnkd.in/eiA6eBGe

*one of these words changed so as not to share a private address ;)

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