Recently, I was presented with the challenge of creating a bespoke knife block from a broken piece of Norwegian Spruce. This project was not just about woodworking; it was a journey steeped in history and craftsmanship. Before I detail the transformation, allow me to share the inspiring backstory that set the stage for this unique endeavour.
Will, a young boy of only seven years, embarked on an extraordinary adventure when he won the renowned Blue Peter Christmas competition in 2003. His creative design for Widow Twanky’s lavish outfit, which was worn by the celebrated Christopher Biggins in that year’s Cambridge pantomime of *Aladdin*, earned him an unforgettable grand prize: the honour of selecting the Christmas Tree for Trafalgar Square.
This iconic tree is more than just a festive decoration; it symbolises a deep-rooted tradition between Norway and London, forged in a historical context of gratitude and friendship. The custom began during World War II when England offered sanctuary to the King of Norway, a cousin of King George VI, from 1940 until the war’s conclusion. During his time in exile, the king worked tirelessly to orchestrate resistance efforts against the Nazi regime, utilizing underground press and BBC broadcasts that reached covertly placed receivers throughout Norway.
In a touching act of appreciation, resistance fighters gifted a Christmas tree to their exiled king in 1943. The tradition of sending a Christmas tree to London as a token of thanks for protecting their king solidified in 1945, shortly after the conclusion of the war. Will’s selection in 2003 marked a significant milestone, celebrating six decades since that first tree was delivered to London, a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds created through shared history.
To commemorate this heartfelt tradition, Will and his family were flown to Oslo for a three-day adventure. On November 24, 2003, in the picturesque Nordmarka Forest of Rausjo—the northernmost part of Oslo—Will had the honour of selecting a tree that was estimated to be 104 years old. The following day, the ceremonial cutting of the tree took place, attended by the Lord Mayors of both Oslo and Westminster. As a gesture of international friendship, a piece of the live-edge slice was gifted to the Lord Mayor of Oslo, with a similar token presented to Will—a testament to the intertwining of personal achievement and historical significance.
Fast forward to the present: the piece of spruce that came into my workshop, though beautiful in its own right, was sadly dried and cracked over the years, leading to a section becoming dislodged. This imperfection was not seen as a flaw but rather as a unique characteristic that would ultimately shape the final piece. The goal was to embrace the natural beauty of the wood while ensuring its durability; thus, oak bow ties would be used to strengthen the join, and the crack would be filled with resin.
The client specifically requested that the spruce retain its natural texture, valuing the history embedded in its surface. This meant no sanding to create a smooth finish. The first step involved carefully cleaning the spruce cookie with rough sanding to remove stubborn stains and jagged edges, restoring a bit of its former glory while preserving its unique character.
Once the spruce was prepped, it was time to address the broken section. The oak bow ties not only provided strength to the joins but also offered a striking contrast to the warm tones of the spruce, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. For the bonding process, black resin was used to glue the joints and blend harmoniously with the wood grain—an integral step in ensuring both strength and coherence in design.
Next, I focused on the large crack that had resulted from the piece becoming dislodged. It was agreed upon that this gap would be filled with clear resin, which would allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through while incorporating a Kroner coin from the year of Will’s momentous event, placed at the centre. A deep pour resin was utilised in two stages to ensure the coin sat perfectly; to add an artistic flair, air bubbles and swirling trails were incorporated, creating a dynamic visual effect under the smooth resin surface.
To complete the piece, it was affixed to a sturdy base of Welsh slate that not only provided stability but also introduced an exciting contrast of materials. Thin magnets were counter-sunk into the reverse side, ensuring that the knife block would stay securely in place while allowing for easy access to the knives. To protect and enhance the beauty of the wood, the entire assembly was coated in three layers of hard wax interior oil, sealing the wood and allowing for easy cleaning.
While I may not have earned a Blue Peter badge for this project, the final knife block emerged with a unique presence that resonates with the stories it carries. This beautiful bespoke piece will now grace the client’s kitchen for years to come, a reminder of both personal achievement and the enduring power of tradition.
