As I've indicated previously the Robertsons love their trees, an appreciation that also extends to wood and woodworking. Maurie kept himself occupied up to his death making all sorts of hand crafted items, including an abundance of bowls and coasters we've inherited, so numerous in quantity that some have been bequeathed to family and friends:
John learned woodworking from a teacher named Vic Matthews at St. Paul's Collegiate School in Hamilton, was involved in making a cross that is still hanging above the altar in the Chapel there today. He has threatened to pick it up again "when he has the time."
NZ has stopped logging of native forest (except I believe on an exceptional basis by special permit). So native timber items today are made from either recycled timber or from longstanding stockpile. I found and have stashed an old ruler that has samples of different types of woods:
There is continued debate about the floorboards in the Homestead. Some say Rimu, others say Matai. In the Cottage there is more consensus that some floors are heart Rimu (toilet and bathroom), while others are Matai.
I recently picked up a beautiful, hand crafted magnetic kitchen utensil rack at the Hokitika Craft Gallery made by local artisan Marc Zuckerman http://www.mzdesign.co.nz . Utensils below are made of Rimu and Rewarewa, but there were many other types of wood and utensil designs and sizes, as well as different rack sizes:
Okay, I purchased two. One has been installed in the Homestead kitchen, one will be a Christmas present for some lucky family member or friend, and I'm thinking I may need to order more!
I also nest collections of rocks in hand turned bowls, these by Ann and Bob Phillips of Nelson:
The rocks and wood together seem a natural fit.
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