Friday 1 February 2013

the Wood Store

  



Final photo shoot for the new book today, and joy of joys it was at The Wood Store in Brighton. I've been spending a lot of time here of late, picking up materials for the books 'up cycling' projects, but any excuse to loiter around for a morning sifting through reclamed timber is always welcome. 
Set up in 1998, the Wood Store is a charity which encourages local building projects to donate any left over materials, or any salvaged timber, which can then be sold on. And it's not only the building trade that are encouraged to donate, anybody with an old door or a few worn out floor boards, are welcome to drop them in. And all are welcome to buy any of the very reasonably priced wood. For those who find buying small quantitys of timber from a trade building supplyer a bit intimidating, the Wood Store offers the opportunity to rummage around unbothered, while you hunt out just the bit of stock you need. 


Although not wide spread as yet, I think, and hope, that we will be seeing more and more projects like the Wood Store in the future as the cost of raw materials increases. It offers a win win situation where the builder is able to cut down on his waste bill, the hard pressed woodworker has a economical alternative to the large timber supply company's and the Wood Store charity get much needed funds.
As well as selling raw timber the Wood Store offer items of furniture made in their workshops by a band of trainee woodworkers all looking for a new start in life. There is even a gallery showing sculpture and other art projects made by the team.
See if there is a project like the Wood Store in your area, its well worth supporting this admirable cause.