From Woodturning to TEFAF New York: Ash and Plumb on Sculpture, Storytelling and Building a High End Craft Business

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Barnaby Ash and Dru Plumb of Plumb and Ash about their rise from garage woodturning to exhibiting at TEFAF New York. They discuss Greco Roman influences, sculptural wood vessels, working with green oak, embracing cracks and stitch work, targeting high end galleries, and building a profitable craft business through strategy, research and relentless refinement.Key Topics Covered• Woodturning and contemporary wood sculpture• Greco Roman classicism and design history influence• Storytelling in art and craft practice• Working with green oak, cracks and natural movement• Stitching wood vessels and visible mending techniques• Transition from craft fairs to international art fairs• Targeting high end galleries and collectors• Pricing strategy and value in the art market• Creative partnership and studio roles• Burnout, pressure and creative flow state• Building a sustainable craft business in the UK• Future plans including blacksmithing and workshop expansionEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 Introduction to Plumb and Ash and their sculptural woodturning01:06 Greco Roman influences and design research03:17 Storytelling, symbolism and emotional impact in sculpture08:46 Starting out with a second hand lathe and garage workshop16:18 Moving from functional objects to sculptural vessels17:48 Targeting high end galleries and strategic growth22:24 Pressure, ambition and creative risk25:01 Division of roles in a creative partnership27:32 Working with green oak, cracks and stitched repairs34:55 Complex sculptural handles and pushing technical limits38:43 Milestones including Collect, museum acquisitions and TEFAF51:13 Plans for a new woodland workshop56:05 Burnout, deadlines and creative obsession59:51 Making work that feels beyond your own ability01:00:57 Advice to their eighteen year old selves