Oldfern collaboration with artists
We have worked with artists, craftsmen and craftswomen to realise their ideas in wood. This usually involves a back and forth email conversation with drawings and photos of models, until the desired result is achieved. A sample of the projects are outlined below.
Porcelain spinners
A porcelain spinner was conceptualised and designed by artist Paddy Hartley as a limited edition multiple (400), commissioned by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Hoffman La Roche to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the company. The spinners were created in collaboration with porcelain makers Jack and Tony of Laverick & Son, wood turner Daniel Fearnley and graphic designer Gareth Howell and were presented to VIP guests at the official launch of the of the Hoffman La Roche anniversary celebrations ‘Celebrate Life’. In addition to the Spinner multiple, Paddy also presented a new ceramic work commissioned by Hoffman La Roche alongside a retrospective of his work in his exhibition ‘The Cost of Life’ at the Tinguely Museum and an additional ceramic intervention throughout the Pharmacy Museum, Basel, from 13th Oct 2021 until 22nd January 2022.
The Ageing Muse
This piece is the result of a collaboration with artist Penelope Kay, who is based in North Berwick. She is chair of Fusion, a science and art group at the University of Edinburgh. With this piece, Penelope aimed to reflect the work of genetic scientists working on cognitive ageing. The piece was first exhibited at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Thursday 24 March, to accompany talks on "The Beautiful Brain" by Prof James Boardman, Dr Hilary Richardson and Dr Heather Whalley. This was a prestigious venue with over 200 attendees.
Chinese Lion Head eyes
We had a request from Scott in Cheam to make 'eyes' for a Chinese lion dance head, initially 5 pairs. These are made in beech, but are to be painted by Scott as part of the decorative mask. Quite small at only 3 cm diameter, but quite specific in the dimensions and shape.
Die cast models
One of our more unusual requests - Rob asked for a plinth to mount his small figurine on. We provided one in walnut, three inches in diameter and just under that in height. The figurine hovers above the base on a matching turned walnut dowel - sort of a stake through the heart? The die cast resin model is Dimitr von Goray, by Russian sculptor Kiril Kanaev.
Rob returned with another request, for four more painted models. He asked if they could be different shapes, and also that they could be distressed in a way that would complement the theme of the model. These were the results.
