Centrespace gallery, Bristol
18th September – 30th November 2026
Connections through Wood is an exhibition of Bristol based woodworkers, showing what is possible when an artistic eye meets traditional skills. They have been exploring the importance of connections created when objects are made by hand. From material sourcing, through the making process, and into their intended use, connections are all around. This exhibition invites visitors to reflect on those connections and what they mean to them. There will be a short film interviewing each maker which will be shown during the event, and also live demonstrations by some of the makers. There will also be bookable courses which will run in the evenings of the second week. Please follow along on instagram to stay up to date by clicking here.
The exhibition will preview on Friday 18th November (6-9pm), and then run until Wednesday 30th November (10-6pm) every day.
Centrespace Gallery
Leonard Lane
Bristol
BS1 1EA
We’re delighted with the list of exceptional makers we will have exhibiting. There is a curated mix of experiences, ages and skills on show, ensuring something for everyone. More details to follow…
Getting There
By Car – NCP Bristol Rupert Street is the nearest and easiest to access, then a 5 minute walk.
By Bike – Lots of bike racks by the Quay Street Diner, then a 2 minute walk.
By Train – A 20 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads.
By Bus – Any bus to the centre will work.
Makers
Flo Hamer
Flo is a traditional craftswoman specialising in basketry and green woodworking. She loves working with natural materials and using traditional techniques to create functional long lasting pieces.
Flo teaches a range of courses in traditional crafts, as well as being a full time maker. Having been an attendee on the Wood, Water, Weave course in 2023, she is now delighted to be bring those splint basketry skills to a wider audience.
Winner of best Contemporary Basket 2023 in the ‘Basketry of the Year’ competition held by the Basketmakers Association. Flo also had an Ash Basket shortlisted in the ‘Bespoke Product Design’ category in the 2023 ‘Wood Awards’.
HARRY MORRIS
Harry started woodworking at the age of 13 in his dad’s garage, carving spoons and watching instructional videos on YouTube. After travels to Japan and Australia researching and working with wood he acheived a degree w/ distinction in furniture making from Westdean College.
He currently splits his time between making quirky windsor chairs (including teaching at Westonbirt Arboretum), antique furniture restoration and a food growing project called Got Greens.
Winner of the 2023 Heritage Crafts / Axminster Tools Young Woodworker of the Year Award
GEOFF HANNIS
Geoff has always been fascinated with working wood, however it wasn’t until 2018 that he discovered the joy of working green wood through the Cherry Wood Project and the Somerset Bodgers at Tyntesfield House. Having learnt from some of the best craftspeople in the country, he makes unique wood-turned creations in his workshop at Grow Wilder. He recently benefited in being named the QEST Turners’ Company Emerging Maker, learning how to make stop-turned vessels, a technique unique to the pole lathe.
ALISTAIR PARK
For over 30 years Alistair has been making sculptures ranging in size from tiny pendants, to large pieces that I can’t move on my own, some weighing well over half a ton! Over this time he has developed into one of the finest wood carvers in the country. The objects he makes reflect his interest in craft skills and he is fascinated by the stories associated with objects made by hand; whether they come from collecting the raw materials, forming the object itself, or its existence after it leaves the maker and goes out into the world. By using thoughtfully sourced wood each piece comes with its own unique story.
JACK LAbANOWSKI (TBD)
Jack’s work focuses on our eternal connections to nature and an awareness of our heritage whenever he makes something. People have been using these same hand crafting skills for millennia and he loves that sense of history and continuity .
For over 10 years, Jack has been bringing beautiful but practical wooden products into people’s homes – items which can be used everyday, and look better the more you use them and will last for years.
