A mid 19th century Welsh three-step pine spoon rack with original yellow paint, together with a collection of eighteen original 19th/ early 20th century sycamore cawl spoons.
Rack – 15” high x 13½” wide x 7½” deep / 38cm high x 34cm wide x 19cm deep
Spoons approx 8” – 10” long / 20cm – 25cm long
(old repairs to the rack)
£2450
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The spoons are traditionally known as cawl (broth) spoons, but were used for preparing and eating other foods such as porridge. The spoons were carved from sycamore which has a long tradition as the timber used in the Welsh dairy and kitchen. Sycamore is readily available in West Wales, it carves easily and most importantly will not taint the taste of food.
In West Wales cawl spoons were usually made by local wood turners. |
John Davies, wood turner making spoons in his Abercych workshop
Mr Rees, a Cardiganshire wood turner at market |
The 19th century spoon rack is a traditional design which was found throughout West Wales and were also possibly made by the wood turner. This example is made from pine and retains traces of the original yellow paint and with evidence of subsequent layers of paint. |
| Below is an early 20th century advert for James Davies, turner of Abercych, North Pembrokeshire.
Translation: Turned Work In Oak, Sycamore etc Cawl/Soup Bowls, Salad or Fruit; Trenchers or Plates for Bread etc; All types of Spoons and Ladles; Also handles for all types of tools. WORK OF BEAUTY AND VALUE An ancient craft that has survived in the family since before time. Send TODAY for prices to JAMES DAVIES, TURNER ABERCYCH, Nr BONCATH, SOUTH WALES |
