14. Treen

Antique reproduction of eating and drinking vessels

Treen was the old term used to define objects made from a tree, but the word is only used now in connexion with antiques, although it is not meant to include items which are purely ornamental or artistic, also, they are not necessarily all turned items, but I shall only describe those that are proper to turning. If you have the chance to turn out an old attic or somebody's old shed, you could quite easily come across what appears to be a piece of old wood. Before you throw it on the fire, carefully inspect it, you may have found a real choice antique—a piece of treen.

It always had some useful purpose, although at times it was ornamental as well. Craftsmen took great pride in their work in those days. Relics are to be found which originated in the dining-room, the kitchen, the bedroom, the dairy and the workshop which points to the necessity for wooden articles in years gone by. Many genuine pieces found today are extremely valuable and it is no wonder that quite a trade has sprung up in the reproduction of these simple, attractive articles. Many of them were made out of sycamore, oak and in particular, yew, which has a beautiful grain. Most articles connected with the consump­tion and preparation of food and drink were made of the wood which was within every countryman's reach and which he could use at no expense to himself. These utensils include tankards, goblets and wassail bowls, in which punch was prepared.

Then there were wooden dishes and bowls, knives and forks for the serving of food, and wooden platters from which the food was eaten. Cheeses were made in wooden moulds and butter rolled with wooden pats.

In a great many churches today, you will see treen in use as offertory plates, and collecting boxes.

Even the smoker, in the good old days had an article like an elongated egg cup for grinding his own snuff, and the winemaker had his set of wooden funnels. Collecting these original pieces is a very fascinating hobby, but should you wish to make your own, it is not a very difficult matter. Simplicity in design is one of the basic require­ments. Remember, the old craftsman had the crudest of lathes and tools and we should be able to do, at least, as well as he did.

The articles should preferably be turned in yew, which has a very close grain and is easy to work. Originally these articles were left untreated, but through ageing, they have become very dark, attractive colours. To obtain an aged appearance, they should be stained, but not over-polished. All antique pieces of woodware develop what is called patina, or the appearance of old age. This is most difficult for the amateur to simulate without a lot of experience in antique reproduction. No antique dealer will tell you how to create patina. It is regarded as an infallible sign of age and is valued by collectors. It cannot be properly produced by the application of polish or varnish. It is only brought about by years of cleaning, polishing and rubbing and usually the upper portions of an article which catch the dust, have the finest patina. The best the turner can do is to stain the article with a fairly dark stain and french polish with a garnet polish. Articles for serving food must be left natural, with a light application of salad oil, well rubbed in.

Even spoons were turned and carved, and, I believe that even today in some parts of the country, young men make their sweethearts spoons during their courting days—hence the term 'spooning'. In years to come, I wonder if these spoons will be regarded as treen and prized by the collector.

Among treen not turned, we find such items as bird scarers, rat traps, policemen's rattles and nut crackers.

Perhaps I have been able to whet your appetite for this branch of the craft. If I have, it is now up to you to visit antique shops and see what you can find to start your collection.

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