Irish Woodturning Guild ‘’Expressions in Wood’’
Woodturning is one of the very ancient crafts dating back to 1,500 BC. The
woodturner uses the power of a lathe to rotate a piece of wood while it is
shaped with sharp tools. Many forms and shapes can be produced ranging from
utility bowls and candle sticks to amazing artistic and abstract pieces. The only
limitation is the skill and imagination of the turner. Woodturners mostly use wood from trees that have fallen or been taken down due to disease. They breathe new life into dead wood that would otherwise decay or go on a fire.
The Irish woodturning Guild (IWG) was established in 1983 to further
woodturning as a craft and to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas,
techniques and skills amongst its members. It currently has a membership of
over 500 people across the Island of Ireland There are eighteen local chapters around the country and the Midlands Chapter isone of these. It was formed in the early nineties to cater for hobbyist woodturners outside the Dublin area in Counties Kildare, Carlow, Laois Offaly and Wicklow. From the initial twelve members, the Chapter has now grown to over fifty members.
The Midlands Chapter meetings are held every second Monday of the month
at The Carpentry Store in Naas with live woodturning demonstrations by
either a member or a visiting guest. There is a great feeling of comradeship
and at these meetings, a passing on of knowledge and skills in a relaxed
atmosphere.
The Midlands Chapter was featured on RTE Nationwide programme in April of
this year. The exhibition ‘’Expressions in Wood ‘’ is a demonstration of the work of the Midlands Chapter. There are a variety of pieces turned by both experienced
and novice turners.
The Irish Woodturning Guild Seminar is held annually, and each Chapter is
asked to accept a challenge and for members to come together to pool ideas
and resources to create and make a wood turned piece. In 2023 the Midlands
Chapter created a magnificent model of a working motorised lathe, tools and
accessories, using a variety of woodturning techniques. This year the Teddy
Bears' Picnic is the 2024 Chapter Challenge. The exhibition will also showcase
these prestigious installations and will also include two further competition
entries, the 2022 seed sower and 2019 crane.
On View During Library Opening Hours