Armistice Tribute - Not forgetting

[Nick Simpson]

This is my Armistice Tribute it is destined to go to the local RBL.
All elements were turned entirely from Sycamore and Holly except for the wire retaining band and the candle.
The piece is made in the common style of WW1 Trench Art and is made to a 1:1.5 scale as judged by the 18pounder shellcase which serves as a candle holder.
In August I set a competition for club members to turn a WW1 tribute item. The results can be seen here http://www.northumbrianwoodturners.com/competition-entries1.html.

Regards
Nick

[Bryan Milham]

For me, the 'Fag Ends' make this piece.

Although no so acceptable now but during the war cigs were issued to the troops, everyone smoked and it was part and parcel of 'being a Tommy'.

[Les Symonds]

That's an amazing piece, Nick, and I guess that the older one is, the more relevance it will hold.
Les

[Nick Simpson]

Thank you Bryan and Les for your kind comments.

The piece seems to have polarised opinions but everyone has a view which was what I intended.

I forgot to give dimensions - the plate is 18 cm diameter
The finish is Rustoleum metallic spray paint on top of ebonising spray and sanded back with wire wool. The 'fags' were painted with acrylic paint by hand and 'dirtied' and partially crushed in a vice, then carefully set on fire while held in forceps.

Several club members did not like the challenge of a topic rather than the usual nominated shape or piece and I expect more entries for next months 'make a toy' challenge.


Regards Nick