For master wood turner Jim Lorriman, the story is everything.
Retrieving the most derelict of planks, stumps, old wharfs and fences, he rediscovers the hidden beauty in the creation of new objects from old wood and documents the historical stories of each in the process.
“History in the Making” opens Aug. 22 at Wellington County Museum and Archives.
A resident of Dufferin County, Lorriman discovered early in his wood turning career a technique called “concentric ring lamination.” In exploring this method, he found he could take old wood with interesting stories and recycle it into new objects.
The result is a dynamic collection of platters, chargers, vases and bowls that are works of art in their own right, but carry special significance because of the stories that unfold through them. Lorriman has written the story of each piece on the back and, through his website (www.historyinthemaking.jimlorrimanwoodturner.com); he describes his research and provides video clips of his process.
“It has been a fascinating project to work with Jim Lorriman on this exhibit,” said curator Susan Dunlop.
“We provided Jim with a number of abandoned planks of wood from the House of Industry barn, as well as a centuries-old wooden landroller that could not be saved. It is wonderful that this wood will be recycled into works of beauty that celebrate their history.”
Lorriman will be at the museum on Aug. 23 at the Antique and Classic Car Show from 1 to 5pm. Admission is $5 per person or $12.50 per family. The exhibit is on display until Dec. 6.
The museum is located on Wellington Road 18 between Fergus and Elora.
