Our star juniors, Helen and her elder brother Jesse, were the first Staffordshire Group members to win major awards at a National Exhibition, taking the top two places in the Junior Class of the 1996 National Exhibition at Winchester. Neither have much time for marquetry at present. Jesse is a keen sportsman and Helen has turned her artistic talents to several other craft hobbies.
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Paco Rabanne Unbelievably this was Jesse's first picture, made when he was only 14. It deservedly won the 1996 Junior class. The picture is notable for it's strong composition which Jesse achieved by working the whole design down to five shades of grey before selecting the veneers he was going to use. The design is enhanced by the asymmetric border and the fact that the grain of all pieces, save for the horizontal borders and stringers, runs vertically. The attractive dark veneer is Macassar ebony (Diospyrus marmorata) |
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Freddie Helen's first picture, made when she was 12, which gained second place in 1996 - beaten only by her brother! It may appear simple, but long, gentle curves are amongst the most difficult cuts to get right. |
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Grey Heron |
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One Glorious Summer A really simple, yet effective picture. Notice the way Helen has used a figure in the veneer for the hat to give the shape and curvature in just a single piece. |
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Chess Board Another of Jesse's pieces which would be a credit to any craftsman. |
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