BA Kingston University

A craft revival for pine resin
 
Jacob  is reviving the traditional craft of extracting resin from pine, fir and cedar trees. This was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, mainly for waterproofing ships. However, it was pushed aside by the rise of petroleum-based alternatives. "Resin is renewable, carbon-negative, and biodegradable," says Jacob, "and could be an ideal material in an oil-free future." He’s made fruit bowls (resin naturally resists bacteria), handles, and most recently lamps. Moreover resin can waterproof almost any material, including paper, card and mesh. Jacob has recently made a book: Explorations in Pine Resin. He recently completed the new 12 week Create programme for all aspects of wood sustainability at the Snowdon School of Furniture. Jacob’s  GIB (certified Grown in Britain) side tables are made from workshop offcuts and discards, celebrating knots, discolouration and other “defects” in hardwoods, from the common, such as white oak and ash, to the lesser known, such as alder and wild service.