Monticello Poplar bowls

[Nathan Hawkes]

Hello creekers. I wanted to share a few turnings that I'm bringing to the Monticello Museum Shop tomorrow. These are from a tree taken down in late 2008. The tree may or may not have been planted by Thomas Jefferson himself. A total of 92 rings were visible in the cross section before the tree was hollow in the center. Jefferson mentions in his diary the planting of a "laurodendron", which was later changed to liriodendron. Since the home was not owned by the Jefferson family for most of the 19th century, before the Thomas Jefferson Foundation took possession of the property sometime in the 1900's. To put it in perspective, the tree was roughly 7.5 feet in diameter. The void in the center was well over 5 feet. That's right--the tree was only about a foot thick at the base, which was why it was taken down. It had been worked on for nearly 100 years by arborists, who placed heavy 1" thick steel cables in hopes of directing it away from Monticello itself should it fall in a storm or high wind. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to turn some pieces for the museum shop itself. Here are a few I'm taking there.

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166686&stc=1&d=1289279583

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166687&stc=1&d=1289279583

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166688&stc=1&d=1289279985

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166689&stc=1&d=1289280011

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166690&stc=1&d=1289280011http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166691&stc=1&d=1289280171




More pics to follow

[Nathan Hawkes]

A few more pics as promised.

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166692&stc=1&d=1289280527

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166693&stc=1&d=1289280535

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166697&stc=1&d=1289280713

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166694&stc=1&d=1289280577

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166695&stc=1&d=1289280577

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166696&stc=1&d=1289280588

[Nathan Hawkes]

few more. http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166703&stc=1&d=1289281388


http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166701&stc=1&d=1289281376

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166702&stc=1&d=1289281376

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166699&stc=1&d=1289281318

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166700&stc=1&d=1289281362

http://sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166698&stc=1&d=1289281274

[Gregg Feldstone]

Your bowls are extraordinary, and the history makes them very special. I wish I could see them in person. Jefferson is one of my heroes. I would love to own one of these.

[Gregg Feldstone]

Forgot to ask. How did you finish the bowls?

[Nathan Hawkes]

Thanks, Gregg! Jefferson is one of my heroes as well. The finish is a combination of Behlen's salad bowl finish and Minwax Antique oil. I ran out in the middle of finishing these, so the first & second saturation coats were with Behlen's, which I think I will keep doing this, as it seems to darken the wood much less than the Antique Oil. However, I like the shine from AO better, so the third & fourth coats are AO.

[Norm Zax]

Beautiful renditions. Well done, I prefer the non-NE.

[Nathan Hawkes]

I meant to mention. The "natural edge" pieces actually aren't natural edge pieces. The edge is the INSIDE of the tree---the center of this tree had been hollow for over a century, which gave it the deep greenish brown (much more green in person--the digital SLR seems to brown it up with the flash) appearance in the pictures.

[Jon Lanier]

Now this is one of the most amazing things I've seen! Absolutely the coolest thing in woodworking. I love history and loved your telling us the story of what is going on. WOW!

Did you get to keep any pieces for yourself? If I could, I know I would. :rolleyes:

[Philip Duffy]

Nathan, Congratulations on those wonderful museum quality pieces! Are they going to be for sale at Monticello? Phil

[John Keeton]

Wow! I am familiar with the story of the poplar tree, but I have never seen poplar with such figure and color - most excellent! Great work on these Nathan, and you are blessed to have been among the chosen.

[Jerry Moyers]

World class brother!!!

[steven carter]

History was certainly in good hands in this instance! You did a wonderful job with very significant wood!

Steve

[Jeff Nicol]

Nathan, The subtle figure with the darkened wood is very beautiful, the finish is just right to show what the wood has to offer in its natural wonders! It is a great honor to be able to turn wood from such a historic and giant tree! You have done yourself proud and your works will live on for years to come for many to see and to keep our wonderful history and heritages alive and well!

Great job,

Jeff

[Bernie Weishapl]

Nicely done Nathan and you should be proud. I was there in 2007 when they were discussing taking it down. Of course at the time my only interest was the clock that is over the front door.:D

[Tim Rinehart]

Those are beauties, with wonderful warmth and character deserving of a piece of historical wood. Yes, you should be proud.

I think poplar is a very under represented wood in much of our turning, though speaking for myself, I've probably turned more of it than any other given it was my source of wood when I started turning.

It sure can reveal lots of beautiful character, as you've done well here.

Thanks for sharing!:)

[charlie knighton]

very nice, and thanks for sharing

you have chess pieces also from this tree?

[Roger Chandler]

Nate,

Great stuff here! That tree with its history is a special thing indeed........I think being one of the turners invited to participate in preserving this piece of history is such an honor. Several in the CVW and a couple in WoVA have made pieces from this as well.

I think your work is first rate on these, and they should grace the Montecello Museum shop very well. I appreciate you sharing these on this forum!

[Willie Wax]

I have to agree with several others here, Jefferson is to me one of the true pillars of this country. Congratulations on being chosen for the honor, you did an excellent job.

I was knocked out by the finish of the bowls, I think I found a new method.

[Jim Burr]

Superior work Nathan! An honor to have you here and the bowls there!;):D

[Baxter Smith]

Great bowls with an even greater story!

[Jake Helmboldt]

Amazing variety Nathan. I sometimes find myself turning the same shapes and have to force myself to conciously do something else. Thanks for the inspiration, and of course the history of that wood had to be pretty inspirational as well. You did that wood justice.

[Nathan Hawkes]

Thank you so much for all the compliments, everyone. I do feel so very fortunate to have been given the opportunity. I'll post more pictures as the pieces are finished. For now, I'm off to the shop to turn some more! :D

[George Guadiane]

Excellent work!
Nice bowls.

[Scott Hackler]

Thats really cool Nathan. What a great opportunity. You did a wonderful job as well. I hope you were able to keep at least one peice for yourself.