British Natural Specimens

‘Earthly Treasures No 27’ is a unique sculptural bowl by the British artist, Morrison Thomas. It is made from burred English Elm inlaid with Cornish Turquoise. Morrison turns beautiful wooden spheres from damaged or diseased trees that have been felled as they can no longer survive. Using aged wood such as this, reveals cracks and crevices which the artist can inlay with precious minerals. The results are breathtaking. These take on the role of globes and are evocative of old maps. The minerals suggest undiscovered islands and continents. During Thomas’ time as a designer and maker of furniture it was usual practice to mask and hide any blemishes or cracks in the wood, however much like the Japanese art of Kintsugi (where ceramic breakages are repaired with gold and precious metals) Thomas highlights the anomalies in the wood by inlaying them with naturally formed colorful minerals, many taken from his personal collection which he still adds to. Recent visits to the ‘World Famous’ Blue John Mine and also a working Fluorspar mine in Derbyshire has meant new materials for future inlays. With the wood hard to find and unpredictable to turn, the resulting union of the Earth’s natural resources are patiently and skilfully jigsawed together, resulting in truly unique treasure-laden artworks. Is his own words: ‘The two mediums I combine both come directly from the Earth. The trees form and grow at the surface whilst the minerals can form at great depth. It is not unknown for some trees to have accumulated pieces of crystals in their roots. The thought of this combination of a substance formed during explosive episodes in the Earth millions of years ago with a gently formed living substance, which may have been growing for hundreds of years before finally coming to an end, is both exhilarating and intriguing. I think of it as a fusion between animate and inanimate, above and below the ground, naturally both beautiful, and without which, we as humans could not survive’ Morrison Thomas was born at New Inn Cottage in the tiny village of Charlton near Banbury, Oxfordshire. His father was a cabinet maker & carpenter who was also a wheelwright and blacksmith, as with many village craftsman of the time, he was skilled in all things. Keeping the family tradition, Thomas continued in his father’s footsteps and is a fourth generation woodworker. As a furniture designer & maker Thomas has exhibited his work in numerous high profile galleries and undertaken many prestigious commissions. He has written articles on woodworking with his work appearing in numerous publications. Previously the chairman of the Surrey Guild of Craftsmen and with a listing in Debrett’s Who’s Who, his achievements are many, especially in consideration that he received no formal training, with his skills obtained from observing and listening to his father. For many years Thomas designed and made contemporary furniture but mainly due to health reasons stopped making larger-scale works. With woodworking in his blood and a material he simply couldn’t stop creating with, he resumed his creative skills some years later by making unique hand-turned wooden vessels...

From Greenlaws Mine, Victoria Flatt, Weardale, County Durham, England Lustrous transparent-to-translucent purple-grey cubic fluorite crystals. The flu...

'Enchanted Dawn in Oranges I' is a unique handblown and sculpted glass artwork by the British artist, Louis Thompson. With both his Enchanted Dawn and Dusk collections, Thompson b...

'Enchanted Dawn in Blues II' is a unique glass tree sculpture by the British artist, Louis Thompson. With both his Enchanted Dawn and Dusk collections, Thompson brings a joyous an...

A large natural pyrite specimen on Welsh slate. Originating from a mine in Llanberis, Gwynedd, Wales, this large slate displays small lustrous pyrite crystals to one face. Naturally...

A natural cabinet scale pyrite specimen. Originating from 5/15 level Wheal Jane Mine, Cornwall, this native British specimen has a lustrous exterior that catches the light beautiful...

'Torc' is a limited-edition (3 + 2AP) patinated bronze sculpture by the British artist Vivienne Foley. Two have been sold and so there is only one piece left from the edition. Vivie...

Unique hand-carved wooden sculpture, titled "Vestibule". This piece was made in 2007 at the artist's studio in Lancashire England, carved from recl...

Otter and loss - Taxidermy in a glass machine - London Piccadilly, Rowland Ward Ld. 19th Century. Taxidermy is the art and process of preserving, mounting, and displaying animal spe...

A rare, naturally occurring witherite plate specimen from Settlingstones Mine in Northumberland UK, presented on an exclusive medium size painted plaster display plinth. Originally w...

A Coco De Mer sculpture by Glyn Lockett with a gilt metal spiral stem, the penned with seed pearls, on gilt metal mounted Chamois antelope/goat or feet with makers monogram. This is...

'Woven Mandala (Sm II)' is a unique handblown, sculpted and cut glass sculpture by the British artist, Layne Rowe. Rowe’s inspiration is drawn from the dramatic Devon coastline whic...

This set contains 24 marble specimens, the specimens including serpentine, granite, and Poltesco marble from Cornwall. The specimens take various shapes, including perfectly formed b...

Rare blue isometric fluorite crystal clusters encapsulates a striking aesthetic, showcasing intricate detail of isometric cubic form with a seamless contrast between the blue crystal...

The Lavender Amethyst slab you’re considering is a standout piece due to its unique structure and coloration. Its delicate lavender hue is both soothing and sophisticated, while the druzy crystal clusters add a touch of sparkle and intrigue. This rare formation is perfect for creating a sense of opulence and exclusivity, making it an ideal centerpiece for high-end interiors. This is no ordinary amethyst; the fine details and rare formation make it a collector’s item. Rare crystals are increasingly sought after by luxury homeowners, hoteliers, and designers who want to infuse their spaces with timeless beauty and a story of natural wonder. The rarity enhances the perceived value of the piece. Mounted on a bronze stand...

The Lavender Amethyst slab is a standout piece due to its unique structure and coloration with delicate lavender hues, while the druzy crystal clusters add a touch natural formation ...

The Lavender Amethyst slab you’re considering is a standout piece due to its unique structure and coloration. Its delicate lavender hue is both soothing and sophisticated, while the druzy crystal clusters add a touch of sparkle and intrigue. This rare formation is perfect for creating a sense of opulence and exclusivity, making it an ideal centerpiece for high-end interiors. This is no ordinary amethyst; the fine details and rare formation make it a collector’s item. Rare crystals are increasingly sought after by luxury homeowners, hoteliers, and designers who want to infuse their spaces with timeless beauty and a story of natural wonder. The rarity enhances the perceived value of the piece. Mounted on a bronze stand...

British isometric fluorite crystal elegantly displayed among clusters of gemstone crystals - authentically encapsulated with striking aesthetics that detail the isometric cubic form ...

'Royal Birds of India' - One of a kind pair of beautiful bronze sculptures, hand crafted moulded and cast in the lost wax process. Magnificent grand pair of birds in sculpture form that stand out and create a wow effect . The artwork is loosely inspired by the pea fowl, a bird native to India. The elegant stature of the bird is reminiscent of the regality and grace of the Indian maharajas...

Victorian Shell Obelisk with Tin Type Photographs This unique Victorian shell obelisk features intricate shell decorations and houses four original tin type photographs. While the p...

'Forest Relic Collection' is a unique trio of sculptural vessels by the British artist, Claire Malet. The size for each one is; Forest Relic I 20cm H, 14cm ø £1375 ?Forest Re...

'Turf - Harvest' is from the British artist and Blown Away II series winner, Elliot Walker's ongoing body of unique still life artworks. Freehand sculpted in clear glass with iridesc...

We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice lump of burr walnut Ideal for making a display stand, its heavily burred Dimensions: Height 8cm Width 20.5cm Depth 16...

A large cabinet scale pyrite specimen displayed in a museum-quality Victorian glass domed display case, dating to circa 1890. Originating from 5/15 level Wheal Jane Mine, Cornwall, ...

Ice Vug in Fuchsia is a unique handblown sculpture by the British artist Samantha Donaldson. A charming ethereal sculpture with a glacier white exte...

A collection of 6 natural, native copper specimens, each presented on an exclusive small wooden display base. Ex. private British collection, this gro...

A large natural pyrite plate-like specimen. Originating from 5/15 level Wheal Jane Mine, Cornwall, this native British pyrite coating on calcite has a lustrous exterior with elements...

1960s very large industrial casting foundry mould (Mould 1080.9) 1960s very large industrial casting foundry mould (Mould 1080.9). We recently cleared the Victorian warehouses of ...

1960s very large industrial casting foundry mould (Mould 1080.12) 1960s very large industrial casting foundry mould (Mould 1080.12). We recently cleared the Victorian warehouses of ...