Flow

6 March 2025 - 26 March 2025

Adrian McCurdy’s lifelong connection with wood has shaped a unique practice where fine art and craftsmanship merge. Each piece is an exploration of form, texture, and process—guided as much by the material itself as by the maker’s hand.

From his Scottish Borders workshop, Adrian embraces the raw authenticity of riven wood, using hand tools to release the natural shapes hidden within each log. His designs emerge gradually, responding to the wood’s grain, character, and history—sometimes years after a log is first selected. Whether working with storm-felled trees or quartered oak, his approach is deeply mindful of traditional techniques.

The flow of oak grain is a constant feature in this new exhibition. Inspired by local rivers and ponds, the natural patterns of wood grain take on a pictorial quality.

Born: 1953
Place of Birth: Kendal

I have managed to blend uncomplicated jointing with sculptural minimalism expressed through the wood craft of cleft oak. Referring back to early styles of cottage furniture has become a frequent source of inspiration and rudimentary character. I like things to last well and be relevant over time to fresh interpretation.

Adrian McCurdy has worked with wood since an early age. With a background in Fine Art, Adrian’s career moved first from painting to a development of unique wood-skills in furniture and more recently carved panels. From his workshop in the Scottish Borders, Adrian produces furniture using quality local timber and craft techniques both long established and contemporary, often working with storm damaged wood felled by local saw-mills.

‘My roots in traditional crafts go back to childhood experiences in a home where hand making furniture was my father’s career and regular conversation subject. We even had a lesson in cutting bread. I took a somewhat contrary direction by choosing art college and painting, but perhaps unsurprisingly found earning an income easier using what felt like natural wood-skills. I found a part-time opportunity that brought me to the Scottish Borders 45 years ago to assist Tim Stead with furniture. Although Tim’s preference to folk art was greater than mine, the simple approach he practised made sense to me.’ – Adrian McCurdy, 2023

Public collections include: Perth Art Gallery and Museum; National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh; Globe Theatre, London; Ann Getty Collection, Hawaii.

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