Laburnum Tea Light | Code & Grain

A particular favourite of mine, and one I haven’t yet decided whether to part with at our June exhibition.

The laburnum tea light — showing the dramatic heartwood/sapwood contrast

This came from a small branch sourced through Kent Woodturners and has been seasoning since 2010. Like a fine wine, the patience has paid off — the resulting piece is stunning, showing the incredible contrast between the deep chocolate heartwood and the pale golden sapwood that makes laburnum one of the most visually dramatic of all native timbers.

Second angle — the heartwood wraps around the form

Like the acer piece, this was turned at ninety degrees to the grain, and I tried a slightly different approach to the shape at the top. The asymmetric rim gives it a contemporary feel while still letting the wood be the star.

Fifteen years of seasoning makes all the difference. The timber was bone dry, cut like butter, and took a finish beautifully. Melamine lacquer brings out the full depth of contrast between the two zones of colour.