Roddy Moyes...

has been the Head Gardener at Tulchan Sporting Estate in the Scottish Highlands for the past twenty years. Born in 1955 in Stornaway on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and having a strong affinity with the sea he spent many of his former years in the Merchant Navy and with the deep sea Trawling Fleet. His nautical career ended while he was serving as a Lighthouse Keeper on one of the last Lighthouses to be converted to automatic operation. It was on that Lighthouse that he first developed his passion for woodturning when he discovered a very old treadle lathe in the workshop. Since then his skill has developed, not only in woodturning but also in web development as this site demonstrates. As a result, his work has been added to collections as far away as Hong Kong.

A deeply undercut flat rim is the main feature of this piece and the tight curve of the bowl wall is very pleasing to the eye. A natural void within the large knot visible in the foreground, has been inlayed with brass providing added interest as does several smaller knots. The overall colour is light, suffused with various darker shades within the regular and irregular grain pattern. Wax Finish.

Cedar 10" dia. x 2.1/4".

A practical bowl for the dinner table or kitchen and an ideal size for a man sized salad. The rich deep colour of the distinctive grain pattern has been enriched with several applications of a non toxic and food safe oil.

Walnut 7.3/4” dia. x 2.1/2”

A footed bowl with an eastern influence in form. The curve of the bowl wall rises elegantly from the sturdy coved foot giving it a strong sense of presence. The main cream colour is amply marbled and figured adding considerable interest to the piece. Wax finish.

Spalted Beech 5.3/4” dia. x 2.1/2”

This small bowl has similar colouring and figuring to the previous piece but is simpler and heavier in form and design. Wax finish.

Spalted Beech 6”dia. x 2.1/4”

A shallow wide rimmed bowl. Of particular note and difficult to capture in the photograph is the subtle and very even figuring within the piece which forms the overall light brown colouring. A single line of spalting runs through the centre in addition to three other circular areas adding further interest. The wide rim is further decorated with a band of six concentric rings cut centrally. Wax finish.

Figured Beech 10”dia. x 1/4”.

A shallow wide rimmed bowl, not fully burred but showing five small and very attractive burrs on the top and underside of the piece. The overall colour is very even and highlighted by the very strong irregular grain pattern. Wax finish.

Elm Burr 8” dia x 1”

A combination of form and function combine within this bowl, turned from clear grained beech. The basic form would be recognised by our forefathers back to antiquity and the design is enhanced by an integral saucer which forms the base and provides excellent stability for the piece. Finished with non toxic, food safe oil.

Beech 5.1/2”dia. x 2.3/4”

A substantial bowl, displaying the strength and solidity that was once the tree from which it came. The gentle curve of the lower section is interrupted by a lower rim before continuing to form the upper raised rim. The colour is warm, in glowing shades of cream to amber. Wax finish.

Yew 8” dia. x 2.1/4”.

This large, wide rimmed platter, would serve well at any function. Turned from exceptionally well figured ash, the brown figuring covers most of the piece with the exception of two contrasting lighter strips down each side. The rim is decorated with a band of six concentric rings cut centrally. Finished with non toxic, food safe oil.

Figured Ash 15” dia. x 1.1/4”

This Hollow Vessel is turned from a fine example of Wych Elm, displaying the characteristic green colouring within the strong grain pattern. A very tactile and eye catching piece that invites handling and inspection. The near spherical form is crowned with a rim of Oak set within a halo of Bubinga encircled with brass inlay. Wax finish

Wych Elm, Bubinga, Oak 6.1/2” dia. x 5.1/2”