About Ash & Plumb: Our Journey

Ash & Plumb was born out of a shared desire to reconnect with the beauty of craftsmanship and the natural world. Founded by Barnaby Ash and Dru Plumb in 2020, the studio grew from a passion for woodturning and a desire to create meaningful, lasting objects that honour both tradition and innovation.

The seeds of Ash & Plumb were sown in 2013 when Barnaby and Dru first met in London’s vibrant fashion industry. At the time, Barnaby was Fashion Editor for Shortlist Magazine and Fashion Director of Shortlist MODE, while Dru was working in fashion and beauty PR. Though they thrived in the fast-paced world of fashion, they soon realized that their true creative calling lay elsewhere—leading them to make the bold decision to step away from their careers and embrace a new path.

This decision led them on a life-changing journey to Australia, Dru’s homeland, where they spent time exploring new creative possibilities, immersing themselves in the diverse landscapes of Perth, Sydney, and beyond. This period of reflection and experimentation allowed them to reconnect with nature and redefine their artistic vision. Eventually, they returned to the UK, settling in Brighton, where they began building the foundations of their future studio.

In 2017, Barnaby’s newfound passion for woodworking took root as he began crafting furniture for their home. What started as a practical skill quickly blossomed into a deep love for woodturning—a craft that would become the heart of Ash & Plumb. Together, Barnaby and Dru envisioned a studio where they could bring their shared vision of slow, intentional craft to life.

Their studio, nestled in the rolling hills of the South Downs, opened in June 2020, during the global pandemic. The challenges of the time pushed them to launch online, sharing their creations with the world through social media. Despite the uncertain times, their work quickly gained recognition for its unique blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship.

Our Craft: Honouring Tradition, Celebrating Nature

At Ash & Plumb, we create sculptural vessels that honor the rich heritage of woodturning while pushing the boundaries of the craft. Our pieces are not intended to be functional but serve as artistic expressions that connect people with the materiality and history of wood in a deeply meaningful way.

Crafted from responsibly sourced, unseasoned green oak, our work embraces the organic beauty and unpredictability of the wood as it dries and transforms. Drawing inspiration from ancient forms—particularly Neolithic pottery and British craft traditions—we create vessels that evoke a sense of timelessness. Our work is deeply rooted in the land that surrounds us, with the South Downs playing a significant role in shaping both our creative process and the stories embedded in each piece.

Each vessel is hand-turned on the lathe by Barnaby, with careful attention to form, texture, and the wood’s natural character. Once turned, the process becomes a true collaboration between us, as we work together to develop the distinctive finishes that define our work. Whether it’s charred, eroded, or aged, the surface of each vessel tells a story—one that celebrates the natural imperfections and history of the material.

Dru’s delicate stitch-work is integral to the Ash & Plumb signature. Using waxed cotton thread, he carefully repairs any natural fissures or cracks in the wood, transforming imperfections into moments of beauty. This process, which echoes the Japanese art of Kintsugi, celebrates the philosophy that repair and restoration add to the life and character of each piece.

Our Journey Continues

Ash & Plumb has grown from a small studio to an internationally recognized name in the world of craft. In 2024, we’ve had the honor of showcasing our work at some of the most prestigious events and galleries. This year alone, we’ve exhibited at Homo Faber in Venice, Eye of the Collector in London, and participated in a group exhibition at Maud & Mabel in Hampstead. We also held our second solo show at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh and are excited to be part of a group exhibition at Flow Gallery in November. Earlier in 2024, we proudly participated in Collect Open Art Fair at Somerset House.

As we look forward to future opportunities, we remain committed to sharing our vision of timeless design and sustainable craft through exhibitions and collaborations.

At the core of everything we do is a commitment to creating sculptural vessels that tell a story—objects that hold meaning and inspire connection. Whether you’re discovering a piece in our shop or commissioning something bespoke, we invite you to join us on this journey of craftsmanship, storytelling, and artistic discovery.