Amy Leak, Designer-maker

Amy Leake whittled sticks as a child and turned out gifts for family using her treadle jigsaw. As an adult, her interest was reignited when she gathered firewood and wondered about the different qualities of trees. She found working with hand tools the best way to learn about wood’s individual characteristics and continues to be fascinated by the endless subtle design variations they produce.

Leake’s pieces are made from wood sourced from local tree surgeons or coppiced woodland. Spoons aren’t sanded, they are finished with the skilled use of sharp knives to leave a smooth surface showing the final cuts. Bowls are made on a pole lathe, showing tool marks our ancestors would have known.