The Marchmont Workshop Freumh

The clever boys at The Marchmont Workshop in the Scottish Borders have hand-carved a collection of candlesticks in three sizes from a single Ash tree. With subtle form and mark-making, the candlesticks bear the echoes of both the trunk and branches of the tree from which they originate, but also bring to mind its roots. ‘Freumh’ is the Scots Galeic for root - pronounced ‘free-uv’ or ‘free-av’ depending on your accent. We enjoy grouping a variety of heights together so the sticks become like a forest.

In Marchmont’s own words: “Every single 'Freumh' candlestick comes from the same ash tree, felled in 2022 because of Ash Dieback. The trunk of the tree was first sawn into rounds and split into blanks before being turned roughly to shape. Each candlestick is then hand carved with adze, gouge, knife and spokeshave to achieve a unique root pattern and faceted finish reminiscent of the bark of the Ash tree.”

What is your favourite aspect of Scottish winter?

“Winter sunrises from our south facing workshop.”

Small : Height 21.2cm, diameter 7.5cm.

Medium : Height 22.2cm, diameter 7.5cm.

Large : Height 24.2cm, diameter 7.5cm.