Walnut & Olive Keepsake Box

 

About this piece:

Some combinations of timber seem almost destined to be together.

 

For this box I paired the deep, understated richness of European Walnut with the warmth and intricate figure of Olive Wood. Although they differ greatly in colour and character, the tones overlap, and each complements the other beautifully, allowing neither to dominate the design

 

The body of the box is crafted from carefully selected Walnut, chosen for its calm, even grain and timeless appearance. Walnut possesses a quiet elegance that has made it one of the world's most admired cabinet timbers for centuries. Rather than demanding attention, it provides the perfect backdrop for the remarkable figure found in the Olive lid and matching Olive base.Olive is one of nature's most distinctive hardwoods. Every piece contains sweeping grain, dramatic colour variation and subtle golden highlights that make each lid entirely unique. No two pieces could ever be reproduced, ensuring that every box has its own individual identity.  However, I have explicitly matched the lid and the base, from the same piece of timber.

 

The mitred corners are reinforced with hand-fitted Olive splines, carefully aligned with the colour and character of the lid. While their primary purpose is to strengthen the mitre joints, I wanted them to become a subtle continuation of the design rather than a contrasting feature. They quietly link the corners of the box to the timber that forms its lid.

 

Unlike a traditional hinged keepsake box, this piece features a precision sliding lid. I have always admired the simplicity of this form. Without visible hinges or catches, the uninterrupted lines of the box remain clean and contemporary, allowing the natural beauty of the timber to become the focus. The lid slides with gentle resistance, creating a satisfying tactile experience every time the box is opened

 

The base is made from solid Walnut, matching the body of the box and creating a sense of visual balance throughout the piece. Although rarely seen, I believe every surface deserves the same level of care and attention. The underside of an object is no less important than its top. 

 

Like every Grey Oak Workshop keepsake box, this piece is made entirely from solid hardwood. There are no veneers, plywood panels or manufactured substitutes hidden beneath the surface. Every joint, every component and every piece of timber has been selected with longevity in mind. My intention is always to create objects that can be treasured, used and eventually passed to the next generation.

 

Dimensions222 × 135 × 100 mm