"Take a Bough" exhibition “Take a Bough” showcases artists from the Northwest using timber grown in The Mersey Forest and demonstrates the sustainability, versatility and beauty of our trees and woodlands. The project shows that local choices for our furniture do exist, and that fine furniture does not have to mean a visit to a superstore on a retail park. Just as farmers’ markets have demonstrated that food can be purchased from local producers, a local sustainable solution also exists for wood. Visit the touring show After its successful debut at Croxtheth Country Park and a two-week residency at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the touring "Take a Bough" exhibition is now visiting its third venue: 2nd August - 5th September 2008 Castle Park Arts Centre Frodsham For Google Map directions to the Arts Centre, click here.	Welcome to this online version of “Take a Bough”, the innovative exhibition of art and fine furniture organised by The Mersey Forest and curated by Garry Olson, taking place as part of Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture year. To find out more about any of the pieces shown below, click on the images to read the stories behind the exhibits and how to contact the exhibitors. EXHIBITORS AND PIECES Click to see full size images, further info and contact details... Chairs and table by Jeff and Heather Allen These chairs and table were made by Jeff and Heather Allen of Eco-Arts from Cheshire and Lancashire Yew and Willow... Walking poles by Andrew Berry Andrew Berry is from the family that owns H J Berry, the chair makers who are exhibiting at "Take a Bough". In the 1990s he planted a hazel woodland around the factory. These walking poles are from that wood... Backed stool by Andrew Burran Andrew Burran is a Manchester based landscape gardener who also makes furniture. This backed stool is made from a piece of oak supplied by Frankland Tree Services... Office workstation by Kath Fernie This beech topped office workstation with inlaid wood sides was produced by Katherine Fernie of Furniture Workshop... Office seating and cabinet by Chris Frankland This office bench seating was made by Frankland Tree Services from Yew and Beech. The Managing Director Chris Frankland is evangelical about using and not wasting local timber... Side table by Suzanne Hodgson This side table was produced by Suzanne Hodgson who trained at the famous Parnham College in Dorset. It is made from an oak tree from Manley, Cheshire... Sculptures by John Merrill John Merrill is a sculptor of wood. The playful items on the plinths you see here are made from oak grown in Liverpool... Side table by Garry Olson This side table was produced from London Plane grown in Cheshire. It is a common street tree but not often seen as timber... Bowls by Tracy Owen Tracy Owen is one of the region's finest bowl turners. His attention to detail and the unique finishes he gives each piece makes them stand out... Outdoor furniture by Sefton Coast and Countryside Service Sefton Council's Coast and Countryside Service specialise in making outdoor site furniture from pine. It is turned into gates, fences, signs, litter bins and board walks... Wash station and table by Jules Taylor The table pictured was made from Yew by Jules Taylor of Woolton Wood Works. Jules uses timber supplied by Tree Health Services of Liverpool who carry out tree safety works for many of Liverpool's churches...
What is The Mersey Forest? The Mersey Forest is the largest of England's 12 Community Forests. The Forest is not restricted to a single site, rather it is being created across a 465 square mile area of Merseyside and North Cheshire as networks of woodlands and other habitat for - and with the involvement of - local communities. This work is driven by The Mersey Forest Partnership, which includes Forestry Commission, Natural England and nine local authorities – Cheshire, Ellesmere Port and Neston, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St.Helens, Vale Royal and Warrington. Community development in The Mersey Forest is supported by United Utilities (launches in new window). The Mersey Forest Offices, Risley Moss, Ordnance Avenue, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6QX T: 01925 816 217 F: 01925 821 793 E: mail@merseyforest.org.uk W: www.merseyforest.org.uk