Laburnum Nordic Tree

A single Nordic-style tree in laburnum, around 11cm tall and 4cm across the base. I turned my first laburnum earlier this year and was hooked. The contrast between the pale sapwood and the deep, chocolatey heartwood is fascinating, and it’s always lovely to work with.

This one came from a branch donated to Kent Woodturners by a local resident. The wood was a bit wormy, so it had to be cut quite carefully, but it finished beautifully. It’s a one-off for now, although I’d love to turn more.

Laburnum branches have a long history in fine furniture. In the late 1600s, cabinetmakers sliced small laburnum branches across the grain to make “oyster” veneers, named for the way the growth rings looked like oyster shells laid side by side.

Finished with chestnut friction polish.