The Real Wood Blog

Four artists, two months and ‘a partridge in a pear tree….’

Chris Baylis — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:12:14 +0000

This month we are being greedy! Our ‘art in the furniture store’ exhibition will feature four artists in an exhibition intoxicatingly titled ‘The Four Artists Show’!!

Rod Craig - watercolours and inks

Tessa Hall - stained glass

Jennifer Brett - watercolours

Sarah Moncrieff - oils

Preview Party Fri May 4th 6.30 - 9.00pm in our Woodstock showrooms

art, glass, wines (charity donation), live music with ‘woodman & friends’, fun and friendly folk…

The Four Artists Show

more info to follow…

Wow! I hate this Word Press system used for creating this blog! Not only does it preview completely randomly, compared to how I have input it, but last night it ‘locked up’ just as I was about to publish the completed version…my longest ever blog…and everything was lost…so here we go again…

May 5th - 27th

We are pleased to establish an association with Oxfordshire Artweeks for the first time, in presenting our exhibition as part of the festival, which runs from May 5th - 27th. Our exhibition will run on until the end of June. Pick up the Artweeks brochure from our showrooms. There’s a wealth of art across all media to see throughout the county.

‘The Four Artists Show’ features two new and two returning artists to the ‘art in the furniture store’ series of exhibitions.

Rod Craig will be showing new work

Rod Craig - blue birds

inspired by his stay in New York and

by nature. As soon as our exhibition

ends, he will be packing his canvases

for his first solo show in the States…

exciting times and we wish him well!

Sarah Moncrieff will be showing new oils reflecting her inspiration from industrial, city and natural landscapes and

we welcome:

Tessa Hall showing stained glass panels, featuring some gorgeous deep blue panels made specially for the show, and

Jennifer Brett showing her delicate nature inspired watercolours.

We hope you can come on the evening of Friday May 4th to meet the artists and enjoy the party…or pop in anytime in May or June.

Future stuff!! Attention all lovers of Windsor Chairs

Windsor Chairs at West Wycombe Park and at The Real Wood Furniture Company

Many of you will be aware of my passion for antique Windsor chairs and that I used to buy and sell more of these chairs within the trade than probably any other dealer in the country. These days I buy very selectively and offer very few from our showrooms, as the focus has shifted to the chairs we make. There are two events coming up that all lovers of Windsor chairs will want to know about.

‘Windsors at West Wycombe’ May 6^th – 31^st at West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire

The most important collection of the earliest known Windsor chairs ever to be publicly displayed, this will be the ‘definitive’ exhibition of the Thames Valley chair makers’ art. This will be a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to see some 35 of the finest 18^th century Windsor Chairs gathered from both public and private collections. Three chairs from my own collection will be featured alongside a chair that travelled with Captain Cook on his last voyage in 1776 and many other wonderful examples. Full details www.windsorchairs2012.co.uk

‘Windsor chairs through the ages’ July 6^th – 31^st at The Real Wood Furniture Company The exhibition will trace the development of Windsor chair making from the mid 18^th century through to the present day, with examples from The Thames Valley, Notts / Lincs and West Country traditions from my private collection on display. There will also be a selection of chairs for sale. On the evening of Friday July 6^th I will give a short talk titled : ‘Period? Late? New? Fake??’ at the preview party for the exhibition.

Phew…I think that’s it for now…I am going to ‘publish’ this before it crashes again!

All the best

Chris x

rare early comb back Windsor chair on cabriole legs

Easter Openings & The Beach

Chris Baylis — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:10:25 +0000

Easter Opening Times

Good Friday: 11.00 - 5.00 (preview party for Shirley Vauvelle 6.30 - 9.00pm - see blog below)

Saturday: 10.30 - 5.30

Easter Sunday: 11.00 - 5.00 (restricted area only)

Monday: 11.00 - 5.00

The Shirley Vauvelle exhibition runs throughout April……..

Scarborough comes to Woodstock!!

Chris Baylis — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:56:48 +0000

Yes, it’s true….the beach at Scarborough has been dug up and is on its way to the showrooms of The Real Wood Furniture Company in Woodstock…..well….almost! Our featured artist for April’s ‘art in the furniture store’ exhibition is mixed media artist Shirley Vauvelle

shirley vauvelle - one way traffic

Please come to the pre view party

Fri April 6th (Good Friday)

6.30 - 9.00pm

art, wines, fire, fun, live music, friendly folk

Shirley lives near the beach in Scarborough and loves nothing more than seeking inspiration from the rugged coast and finding things on the beach to incorporate in her quirky sculptures. Pieces of driftwood often feature alongside old bits of wire, bits of maps, feathers etc., fashioned together with her own ceramics in the creation of truely unique and charming pieces….(’You’ magazine would describe them as ‘just darling!’)… so bits of the beach at Scarborough really are coming to town!

shirley vauvelle - little owl

She will aslo be exhibiting paintings which she creates using her fingers, household objects, sticks, bits of wire etc., as well as brushes, layering paint to create texture and depth. She then creates energy in her painting by rubbing away, to enhance the whole.

shirley vauvelle - cotinus

I met Shirley last year on a watercolouring holiday at Los Gazquez, an amazing eco retreat in the depths of the Velez-Rubio region of Spain, run by inspirational artists Simon and Donna Beckmann. Shirley was there to explore ‘new techniques’ outside of her practice (me - just to learn and chill!) and both I and Marion, the other student there for the week, were in awe of her creativity!

She exhibits her work in various prestigious galleries around the country and we are pleased to welcome her to The Real Wood Furniture Company, where she will be attending the opening of her exhibition on Friday April 6th at 6.30pm.

Each month, we unveil an exciting piece of furniture and this month it is a set of antique ‘Bergere’ style chairs in oak, with sumptuous leather upholstery. You need a set of sixteen???…we’ve got them!!

On other fronts, Scrumps is in training for the ‘Olympup’ Volley Ball Team, so don’t be surprised if she offers you a ball or two when you visit the showrooms…fixated is the word! Joolz has taken ownership of ‘Cybil’ who Scrumps may allow into the showrooms and watch out for another sale of guitars soon! A few more ’strats’ seem to have entered my collection, so a ‘cull’ is imminent!

art in the furniture store … you know it makes sense!

all the best

Chris

On the road again…and into the skies

Chris Baylis — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:19:48 +0000

danny flynn - squonk

Hello again…and important news on many fronts..art, music and ‘business’..

This month we are taking ‘art in the furniture store’ into the skies with the work of Danny Flynn. Danny has created illustrations for the covers of books by Arthur C Clarke and Isaac Asimov as well as a complete ‘other world’ of characters ‘Lunartics’. His work features sci-fi and fantasy themes with vibrant colours and textures. He will be exhibiting the originals of several book covers, with some very special original works available to buy, alongside some giclee limited edition prints.

danny flynn - expedition to earth

Please come to the pre view party Fri March 2nd 6.30 - 9.00pm art, wines, log fire, live music & friendly folk - exhibition then runs to the end of the month….

music by Danny himself, with ‘woodman and friends’ as well… fresh from a succesful gig last weekend helping to raise funds for the Woodstock Live Music Festival (August bank holiday weekend)..lovely to ‘tread the boards again’ with old friends Ricky Edwards and Paul Gibbon, as my usual musical buddy ‘tp’ was away on a solo gig…an interesting blend of spatial guitar, a wash of interesting keyboard sounds with Ricky’s intuitive rhythms…

On other fronts things may be changing at RWF Co. There is an exciting opportunity to expand the business in a different and exciting location, which will mean downsizing in Woodstock and leasing out some of the space…interested parties please apply here!! The ‘opportunity’ is not a ‘done deal’ and may yet not happen! Don’t worry though, we shall keep you up to speed with developments and we will still have good space in Woodstock whatever happens….

Our featured ‘furniture offer’ for March is a simple, stunning small oak chest, visible dovetail joint construction, beautifully deep relief carved tudor rose to the lid, stunning colour and patina. It dates from the late 18th century and measures 20″ x 11″ x 9″…can we call it a ‘coffer bach’…almost!! Last month’s offer, the single plank elm table was snapped up by a regular customer, but unfortunately it does not quite fit their space, so they have sadly had to pass….so it’s on sale again!!

Hope to see you at the Danny Flynn pre view party or anytime in the month…

Chris

2012 …and counting

Chris Baylis — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:56:45 +0000

Well…here we are again…only 182 days to go to the start of the 2012 Olympic Games….a Jubilee celebration before that….the Olympic torch comes to Woodstock on July 9th….and yes…the ‘art in the furniture store’ series of exhibitions opens again for 2012….

jacqueline hopkins, tree tops in an orange sky

February features the watercolours of Jacqueline Hopkins. She paints, using unusual techniques, to create soft, atmospheric images, often inspired by the beauty of trees.

Please come to :

The Preview Party

Fri Feb 3rd 6.30 - 9.00pm

art, wines, log fire, live music, friendly folk and the chance to meet Jacqueline.

Exhibition runs to the end of February

‘One off’ furniture piece of the month

jacqueline hopkins, trees and hills

For our ‘one off’ furniture piece’ of the month, we unveil a superb 7ft ‘Quaker’ style table, with a one piece elm top…the grain will make your eyes ‘pop’!! If you like elm, you will ‘love’ this table! If we don’t sell it during the exhibition I may well be keeping it for myself!!

On other fronts, we can report a good ‘run’ up to Christmas and it was good to see many visitors in the period between Christmas and the New Year.

We are about to start a comlpete ’re-write’ of our website, offering really high quality photos,easier naviagation and concise descriptions of all the furniture. Work continues on our ‘on line’ shop featuring our accessories and we hope to launch soon! Watch this space!!

In the meantime, we hope you will be able to enjoy Jacqueline’s exhibition. Her work is still very affordable and her reputation is growing!

We look forward to seeing you at the preview party or at any time during the month.

Coming up in the ‘art in the furniture store’ series of exhibitions, we have:

March

Danny Flynn

danny flynn, quirky castle

Danny has provided the illustrations for numerous ’sci -fi’ and fantasy books, notably by Arthur C Clarke and Isaac Asimov as well as album covers for the several ‘prog rock’ bands. He will be offering the rare opportunity to buy some of his ‘originals’ as well as some ‘giglees’ and prints.

shirley vauvelle, hen on high

April

Shirley Vauvelle

Shirley creates wall hung and freestanding sculptures by fashioning ceramics to combine with driftwood and other ‘found’ objects and materials. Her inspiration is the North East coat near Scarborough, where she lives. She also paints, using unusal objects, her fingers as well as brushes in creating her work.

May

'The 4 Artists Show' at The Real Wood Furniture Company

The 4 Artists Show

We are pleased to announce our affiliation with ‘Oxford Art Weeks’ in becoming a festival venue for the very first time. Throughout the month the May, ‘Art in the Furniture Store’ will feature the paintings and stained glass work of four artists who are all ‘Art Weeks’ exhibitors for 2012. We welcome the industrial and urban landscapes of Sarah Moncrieff, the gentle watercolours of Jennifer Brett, stained glass work by Tessa Hall and the return of Rod Craig with new and exciting work.

See you soon

Chris

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

Chris Baylis — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:56:32 +0000

Christmas Elves by Joanna Scoones

Our Christmas Opening Times:

Christmas Day - closed

Boxing Day - closed

Tuesday Dec 27th - closed

Wed Dec 28th - Sat Dec 31st - OPEN 11.00 - 5.00

New Year’s Day - closed

Mon Jan 2nd - OPEN 11.00 - 5.00

Enjoy the break and come see us soon!!

All the best for 2012….

Chris

Colour at Christmas

Chris Baylis — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:42:32 +0000

“So here it is….Merry Christmas…everybody’s having fun”….actually you can catch ‘The Woodstock Snow Stars’ playing that at ‘A Night of a Thousand Candles’ on Woodstock’s lovely town square, Sat Nov 26th, 6.00pm - turn on of the town’s lights etc…

reindeer kiss by Joanna Scoones

and .. (it leads on nicely!!)…. they will also be playing at the preview party for December’s ‘art in the furniture store’ exhibition ‘Colour at Christmas’ which will then run throughout December…..

Preview Party: Fri Dec 2^nd 6.30 – 10.00.pm: art, jewellery, gifts, log fire, mulled wine, other wines, nibbles and live music from an array of musicians culminating in a performance by ‘The Woodstock Snow Stars’!

The exhibition introduces you to the wacky world of Joanna Scoones whose colourful fun pictures please little ones and adults alike and are guaranteed to make you smile… Christmas cards, prints that can be personalised on the spot, cute stocking fillers, perfect prezzies for under the tree…. Expect harebrained characters, naughty reindeers, cheeky elves, goofy giraffes, funny elephants, pretty ballerinas, swashbuckling pirates …..and lots more to boot!

Hotmetal jewellery, designed by Jo Mitchell and featuring brightly coloured metals, glass and silver….

hotmetal jewellery - fiesta

Mary-Lou Crown’s collection of sterling silver fashion accessories - simple, elegant and contemporary jewellery.

mary-lou crown jewellery

Also on show, will be a dazzling array of Christmas gifts for all pockets and tastes – candlesticks, clocks, glass, figures, lighting, ceramics, mirrors, platters etc., all tastefully displayed around the room sets of stunning furniture - the trademark of The Real Wood Furniture Company…

Some of you may remember that in previous years we have celebrated ‘A Night of Colour’ which last year became ‘A Weekend of Colour’ …and this year to help counter ‘austerity measures and cut backs’ we are pushing the boat out and celebrating for the whole month!!

or visit anytime Mon - Sat 10.30 - 5.30, Sun 11.00- 5.00

Each month we unveil a new ‘furniture piece’ and this month we present a stunning waney edged slab of polished ‘Molave’ from the Philipinnes as a coffee table and a brand new addition to our furniture range - a cheval mirror in oak and burr oak.

Please RSVP for the party to: colour@rwfco.com / tel: 01993 813887

Think Christmas, think a visit to The Real Wood Furniture Company…

See you soon…and all the best for the festive season!

Chris

From Wales to Woodstock….

Chris Baylis — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:28:48 +0000

It’s all art at the moment!!! Art in Woodstock from Oct 22nd - 30th with 60 artists exhibiting in 25 venues around the town - 8 of them with us!!….and then straight into our November exhibition with the lovely Sarah Moncrieff

sarah moncrieff, 'the blue loch' northern scotland

Please come to the preview party:

Fri Nov 4th 6.30 - 9.00

in our Woodstock showrooms

art, wine, log fire (yes…winter has come) and live music from ’tp and woodman’….

Sarah is a qualified lawyer, teacher of art and an accomplished artist who has exhibited widely. Her work brings a freshness to familiar Oxfordshire scenes and to interpretations of landscapes she discovers, when indulging her passion for trekking in the wilderness. She will be in the gallery, on the preview evening, to meet guests.

The exhibition will run throughout November.

Each month we unveil a ‘one off’ furniture piece and this month we present a small coopered oak barrel from France, made to distribute cognac, with its own set of eight shot glasses. The work won the maker, the accolade of ‘best craftsman in France’ at the time it was made in the 1930s and is truly ‘scrumptious’!! We will also be offering a superb cherry and chestnut coffer, also made in France around 1750. It has amazing deep relief diamond panels to the front and sides and a patina that ‘glows’.

We hope to see you! Watch out for news of ‘Colour at Christmas’ …coming this way soon!!

art in the furniture store - Sarah Moncrieff invitation

All the best

Chris

art in the furniture store - sarah moncrieff

The rain in Spain falls mostly on Wales…..

Chris Baylis — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:03:03 +0000

Well…shock horror…I have been away!! I spent a week at a fab place near Velez Rubio in Andalucia learning how to watercolour…something I have wanted to do for a while. You can learn, chill, walk…whatever takes your fancy really, in the middle of nowhere with amazing vistas, great food, eco accommodation etc. My work will NOT be on display soon, (but checkout www.losgazquez.com)

We will however be displaying as our artist for October in the ’art in the furniture store series’, the work of

PETER ROSS

match day 1956 - acylic on board by Peter Ross

You are warmly invited to the

PRIVATE VIEW PARTY FRI OCT 7th 6.30 - 9.00pm

in our Woodstock showrooms

Peter paints about his childhood in the 1950s and 60s in South Wales with the themes of conflict, journeys, faces and cultural/literary figures.

Peter has had numerous one person and joint shows. He has also taken part in the Royal Academy Summer Show and in the Welsh Artist of the Year Show. We very much hope to emulate the success of the Rod Craig exhibition, during which we have sold 15 original works!

Our ‘one off’ furniture pieces to be unveiled Fri Oct 7th are two stunning pieces of antique Chinese elm - a Shanxi dresser base with 3 drawers above 2 doors (about 5ft long) and a lovely low ‘kang’ table about (3ft long, 18″ high).

We hope you will be able to join us for great art, great furniture, fine wines, fun and live music….

Chris, James, Scrumps & the team

Encore du vin….encore Rod & welcome to ‘HoneyArt’

Chris Baylis — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:40:57 +0000

art in the furniture store….

It’s happened again…another month past and another ‘Private View’ party and exhibition to tell you about…or not quite….

rod-craig-intense_blue2 ink and watercolour

Due to a great response, some serious sales and the fact that a lot of you have been on holiday, we are extending Rod Craig’s exhibition until the end of September. New pieces will be unveiled on the evening of :

Friday 2nd September 6.30 - 9.00pm

At the party and over the weekend, between 12.00 and 4.00pm Rod will be ‘painting in the furniture store’…so come along and see ‘art in action’!

We also welcome Georgina Jane Honey, a young artist who will be ‘debuting’ her work, which she calls ‘HoneyArt’, with us. She will be showing a small number of selected pieces and in the spirt of ‘art in action’ she will be ‘body painting’ during the party….

3 Big Cats by Georgina Honey - HoneyArt

add to this mix, some nice wines, Pimms if the weather holds, some cool music and some nice people, and we hope to have another busy evening.

This month’s ‘feature’ furniture piece will be a stunning burr elm centre piece bowl, hand hollowed, with natural features…a wood person’s delight!

We look forward to seeing you at the party or during the month…..

and don’t forget, we still have some Daren Greenhow sculptures in our garden, guarateed to make you smile…

time for a ‘petit verre’…

A Bientot…

Chris