Live Edge Burr Elm Vessels
Organic. Original. One-off.
A burr elm vessel with the natural edge left intact, giving the rim its uneven, almost crown-like shape. The edge rises and dips around the opening, following the original outer surface of the timber rather than being turned into a perfect circle.
The burr figuring runs densely through the walls of the piece, with small clusters, darker flecks, and tight swirling grain typical of elm burr. At the base of the interior there’s a natural void where the burr formed - left in place as part of the character of the wood rather than filled or removed.
The overall form is fairly low and open, giving it the feel of a bowl while still sitting comfortably as a vessel piece. The bark inclusion around the rim adds contrast against the warmer tones of the elm beneath.
This vessel was turned from burr elm with the natural edge left in place, creating a more irregular rim that rises and falls around the opening. Each peak and dip follows the original outer edge of the wood, so the shape feels a little less predictable than a standard bowl.
The burr figuring runs right through the piece, with tight clusters, darker flecks, and shifting grain patterns typical of elm burr. Small voids and inclusions remain in places — a normal part of this kind of timber and something that adds to its character rather than being turned away.
The interior follows the same form as the rim, creating a slightly deeper, sculptural feel while still keeping the overall shape grounded and simple.
Burr elm is known for its tight, swirling grain, and this piece shows it well. The surface is full of movement – small ripples and darker lines that run right around the vessel and shift slightly as the light changes.
The form is kept simple to let the timber speak for itself. The rim follows the natural edge of the blank, rising and dipping slightly rather than being perfectly even.
A darker band runs through the upper edge where bark once met the wood, left in place as part of the piece rather than turned away.
This burr elm vessel is a meeting of wild form and fine turning. Its jagged rim follows the natural contours of the burr, while the grain inside ripples and swirls with rich colour and movement.
A dramatic bark inclusion runs right through the piece, adding depth, contrast and a sense of raw honesty. A reminder of the tree’s own life and imperfections. It’s a sculptural work best left open to admiration rather than use.
One of a kind, shaped as much by nature as by hand.
Turned from Scottish burr elm, this vessel shows the dramatic character of the timber in full.
Swirling grain and rich colour shifts flow across the form, while burr clusters and bark inclusions add texture and depth.
The rim has been left natural, bringing a rugged contrast to the smooth turned body.
Every mark is part of the elm’s story, and no two burr vessels will ever be the same.
Made as a decorative piece — tactile, sculptural, and full of natural character.
Turned from Scottish burr elm, this vessel balances natural ruggedness with refined shaping.
The rim has been left raw, following the jagged contours of the burr, while the body has been carefully turned to a clean, faceted base. The contrast highlights both the untamed edge and the smooth grain beneath.
Burr elm is prized for its intricate swirls, ripples, and depth of colour—patterns that can’t be repeated and make each piece a true one-off. With elm now scarce in the UK, vessels like this have become increasingly rare.
This form is more decorative than practical: a sculptural object with rich texture and presence, made to be displayed and appreciated for the natural beauty of the wood.
Turned from Scottish burr elm, this vessel balances natural ruggedness with refined shaping.
The rim has been left raw, following the jagged contours of the burr, while the body has been carefully turned to a clean, faceted base. The contrast highlights both the untamed edge and the smooth grain beneath.
Burr elm is prized for its intricate swirls, ripples, and depth of colour - patterns that can’t be repeated and make each piece a true one-off. With elm now scarce in the UK, vessels like this have become increasingly rare.
This form is more decorative than practical: a sculptural object with rich texture and presence, made to be displayed and appreciated for the natural beauty of the wood.
*** Item Sold ***
Turned from Scottish burr elm, this vessel pairs raw natural form with careful craftsmanship.
The jagged, live edge has been left just as it came - untamed and full of character. The body has been smoothly shaped and finished to bring out the rich, complex grain.
Elm is now a rare sight in the UK due to the spread of Dutch Elm Disease, making pieces like this increasingly uncommon.
Burr elm, with its intricate swirling patterns and deep variation in tone, is especially sought-after for its natural beauty and unique figure.
Every mark, knot, and ripple in the grain tells part of the tree’s long story.
No two are ever alike - and this particular piece has a strong presence, both sculptural and earthy. It’s not watertight, but it works beautifully as a decorative statement piece.
The Wild Edge Collection
There’s something captivating about the grain patterns found in the burr of a tree.
Like an ink blot test, the swirls and lines reveal something different to everyone who looks at them - memories, shapes, and stories hidden in the wood.
This small collection - a limited run of hand-turned vessels - made from rare Scottish burr elm was created to celebrate that natural beauty. The forms are simple, allowing the rare timber’s wild grain and raw edges to take centre stage.
Each piece comes from woodland close to Pitlochry and features a natural live edge, showcasing the raw beauty and unique grain of one of Britain’s most endangered native timbers.