jan hendzel studio's wooden sculpture for park avenue hotel in new york finessing the pebble joint

Understanding Materials

With over 20 years of making our founder, Jan, knows his timber – its appearance, its uses in different contexts, its condition over time, and the stresses it can take. Part of our service is to advise and suggest wood-types to give you the confidence you are making the right decision.
jan hendzel studio's wooden sculpture for park avenue hotel in new york view of man planing wood

Sourcing Wood

The solid woods used by Jan Hendzel Studio are mainly from timber yards around London, or reclaimed from specific London sites. The diversity, history and size of London offers magnificent opportunities for wood collection – from eccentric estates to parks, from ancient interiors to the fabric of old buildings.
Sourcing wood close to our workshop allows us to identify a full chain of custody (provenance) for the materials we use. And can unearth some amazing stories from previous uses.
jan hendzel studio's wooden sculpture for park avenue hotel in new york view of stacked timber

 

Finishes

The samples below have all been sanded and finished with an Osmo clear oil. Other finishes can effect the colouration of the wood. When working with us, we readily provide samples to help you envisage the final product.

Wood Types

Below are examples of timber we often use. It is not exclusive but a reference to help inform you of timber choices. They offer a glimpse of the wonderful diversity of type. Some are extremely rare.

Ash – Plain and ripple

Ash – peach / mid-olive

Ash – dark olive heartwood