Unearthed after more than 5000 years, the embedded history and rich character of bog oak* combines with the memory of a shared journey across South America to express ideas of time, transformation and ageing.

Inspired by the precise crafting of Incan constructions in Peru, the Memory Box is formed of two layered, interlocking forms. The interaction of their precise geometry invites dialogue between the independent yet connected pieces. A deep orange band, resulting from a chemical reaction between iron in the soil and the natural tannins in the wood, wraps each box acting both as a highlight and spiritual core.

A single board of bog oak was deconstructed/reconstructed as hand-crafted panels to construct a complex layering that appears to 'push' the boxes in multiple directions. End grain blocks on the tops/bases create a sense that the boxes have been hewn from a single block of wood. The deep patina of the wire-brushed and gently sandblasted exterior serves as a protective shell for the delicate, English Oak lining boxes. Gold-waxed insets, recessed behind the liner boxes, accommodate wood movement and subtly echo the spiritual significance of precious metals.

Material: Bog Oak, English Oak, patinated brass hinges and leather footings

Dimensions: 320 (h) x 280 (w) x 110 (d) mm

*The Bog Oak selected for this piece was part of the ‘Hemplands Haul, a collection of trees that were submerged in the East Anglian Fenland Basin for around 5,000 years before being excavated in 2022 and expertly preserved. The wonderful colouring of this sub-fossilised timber is the result of a chemical reaction between the oak’s natural tannins and soluble irons present in the mineral subsoil.

www.adamsonandlow.com/Bog_Oak