Spalted Beech Bowl

The first bowl of 2026, and a turning point in more ways than one.

This piece was turned from a well-seasoned beech blank acquired from Ian Pope, a talented turner who sadly retired from turning due to ill health. Ian had collected a vast quantity of wood over 20–30 years, and this blank had benefited from that patient seasoning.

The wood features beautiful spalting — natural patterns left by fungi that create dark, flowing lines through the grain. Each angle reveals a different character, from the sweeping marks on the interior to the clean, warm tones on the outside.

After a near-month break over Christmas, I was nervous about whether the muscle memory would hold up. Thankfully, it did. The blank was substantial and a pleasure to turn.

The bowl is finished with melamine lacquer, giving it a food-safe surface with a warm, natural sheen that lets the spalting speak for itself.

This will be the first item heading to the May/June Kent Woodturners exhibition.