Devon based makers Takahashi McGil create sculptural, functional objects from a mix of local or sustainable hardwoods. South African born Mark McGilvray and Kaori Takahashi from Japan both graduated in Fine Art at the Wimbledon School of Art. At their rural studio they create beautiful vases, bowls and plates and other pieces for the table, with furniture made only by commission.
Planing, chiselling, turning, waxing and lacquering with great precision using time-honoured Japanese and Western techniques, Takahashi McGil create considered pieces that celebrate the natural beauty of their materials. Kaori and Mark spent the summer of 2018 in Japan, learning the art of urushi lacquering. Urushi is lacquer made from the sap of a tree and makes the wood waterproof as well as adding strength. Both makers work together on the same pieces, with Mark more likely to have done the turning and Kaori to have used the chisels.
