The Gathering Hand draws on five decades of making at GRAS, shaped by work in conservation, architecture and interiors, and a long-standing interest in interdisciplinary design. It reflects a continued belief in the human instinct to create and the value of making as a way of thinking.

The Carpenter’s Tables

A series of three tables merging scorched cork with beautifully crafted oak. The two materials—siblings of the Quercus plant family—come together in a balanced expression of tactility, nature, durability and tradition. Made together with Studio Corkinho, each cork tabletop is fired prior to pressing to bring out an earthy brown base. The surface then undergoes a heat-treating process, applied by hand, which intensifies the tone and texture. Finally, a matte bio-varnish is applied for protection. The cork’s depth and subtle complexity emerges as light passes across its surface. The oak bases are constructed with housed tenon joints, beautifully executed by Namon Gaston. The oak is smoked for 24 hours before hand-assembly and final oiling.

The Glassblower’s Vessels

A trio of simple, refined vessels bearing the marks of their making. Each piece is mouth-blown by glass artist Edmond Byrne, then, while still hot, the form is baptized in cold water shocking the mineral with a crackled texture. The glass is then re-heated to set the unique pattern that belies the vessels’ strength. It’s a process that marries chaos and order with beguiling effect. Asymmetry, light-play and textural depth define the vessels’ character while subtly tapered shapes ensure functionality and stability.

The Stonemason’s Objects

A family of objects expressed in elemental forms—cylinders, disks, hemispherical cuts—as an ode to the simple stone slab. The edges of the Portland stone are delicately softened by the bead-blasting processes and in turn the material’s surface expression is highlighted. A considered shadow gap under the Vase and Bowl elevates the volumes ever so slightly. The continual, hemispherical slice of the Bowl creates a gentle concave cradle for fruit or mementos; its bare surface mingles beautifully with passing light. The paired cylindrical Weights hold a level of ambiguity—their usefulness spanning limitless occasions.

GRAS debuted The Gathering Hand collection with an exhibition at Blue Mountain School during London Design Festival 2022.

The Carpenter’s Tables and the Stonemason’s objects are made-to-order . For sales or exhibition enquires please contact info@thegatheringhand.com

The Glassblower’s Vessels are now available to purchase via thegatheringhand.com, with worldwide shipping or next-day collection from our studio at Custom Lane, Leith.