Ash & Plumb is the creative partnership of Barnaby Ash and Dru Plumb, dedicated to the art of sculptural wooden vessels. Drawing from ancient and classical forms, their work reimagines tradition through a contemporary, raw aesthetic.

Based in the South Downs, just outside Brighton, their rural workshop is both a sanctuary and a creative foundation—a space where traditional and modern craftsmanship intersect to honour the natural beauty of wood. Each vessel is hand-turned and shaped from a single piece of sustainably sourced, unseasoned oak, allowing the organic characteristics of the material to shape the final form. Their work is deeply rooted in timeless archetypal forms that evoke a sense of grounding and ritual, each piece a balance of masculine and feminine, light and dark.

Barnaby and Dru first met while working in the fashion industry—Barnaby as a men’s fashion editor and Dru in PR, marketing, and events. Seeking a more hands-on creative path, they left their careers and moved to Dru’s home country of Australia, immersing themselves in the landscapes of the southern hemisphere while exploring new creative possibilities. Their journey took them through various roles, from Barnaby building bike trails to Dru working in financial tech, before ultimately leading them back to the UK to establish their studio.

Their artistic practice is deeply rooted in research, drawing inspiration from historical forms—ranging from Neolithic pottery and Greek and Roman wine vessels to 17th-century bronzes. They seek to honour the enduring essence of these objects, reinterpreting them through contemporary craft to breathe new life into the ancient.

Each creation begins with raw, unseasoned oak, which is hand-shaped into an intricate vessel before being left to dry—a process through which the wood subtly alters its own geometry. The surface is then meticulously refined, patinated, and finished, with any natural fissures or imperfections treated using Ash & Plumb’s signature stitched repairs.

2024 brought many milestones, including showcases at Collect Open, Eye of the Collector, and Homo Faber. In addition, Barnaby was awarded the QEST x Turners’ Company of London scholarship in Autumn 2022, a pivotal moment that further deepened his expertise in the craft. Looking ahead, Ash & Plumb continue to evolve their practice, with new exhibitions, collaborations, and bespoke commissions shaping an exciting year in 2025.