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The Contrast Collection
The Contrast Collection is a series of modular vessels made through woodturning, metal spinning and hand finishing. The project developed from an interest in transformer toys and the way separate parts can shift, connect and become something new. This led to a collection that combines heritage processes with a contemporary use of material, bringing together warm turned wood, cool spun metal and coloured silicone bands. Each vessel is made from separate parts that can be mixed and matched, allowing the object to change through colour, shape, texture and feeling. The silicone band became the final connection, holding the pieces together while keeping the join visible.
Pillars
Contrast
The Contrast Collection brings together materials with very different qualities. Warm, grain-led wood sits alongside cooler, smoother metal, while silicone adds colour, flexibility and a softer point of contact. Rather than hiding these differences, the collection keeps them visible, making contrast part of each vessel’s character.
Connection
Connection is shown through the silicone band. It holds the wooden lid and metal body together while making the join part of the design. Nothing is hidden. The band shows how the object is constructed and creates a clear link between the different materials, giving the vessel honesty and purpose.
Transformation
Each vessel is made from separate parts that can be mixed and matched. Changing the wooden top, metal body or silicone band can alter the colour, shape, weight and feeling of the piece. The object is finished, but not fixed, allowing the person handling it to play a role in how it is seen and experienced.
Reveal
Reveal is central to the collection. The vessel slows down the act of opening, creating a pause before the object inside is seen. That pause gives the contents greater importance. The vessel does more than hold something. It becomes part of the meaning, memory and significance around it.
Role
Joshua developed The Contrast Collection from initial concept through to final exhibition pieces. His process included creating the vessel profiles, testing materials and forms, woodturning the lids, metal spinning the bodies, refining the silicone connection and hand finishing each object.
Project Block
Project Type : Contemporary Craft Collection
Materials : Turned wood, spun metal, silicone bands
Processes : Woodturning, metal spinning, hand finishing, material testing
Date October 2025 - May 2026
Maker : Joshua Gilding
Studio : Turned and Spun
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The Contrast Collection
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Sycamore and Brass
The Contrast Collection : two-toned sycamore and brass with an antique black fluid patina
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Six modular vessels from The Contrast Collection
Six modular vessels from The Contrast Collection, each combining a turned wooden lid, spun metal body and coloured silicone band. The arrangement shows how the same basic structure can shift through changes in wood grain, metal finish, patina, proportion and band colour.
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Sycamore & Brass Opened
Open modular vessel from The Contrast Collection, made with a two-toned sycamore turned wooden lid and a brass spun metal body with an antique black fluid patina. The lid is placed beside the open body, showing the vessel’s function as both a container and an object of reveal.
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Elm & Aluminium
Open modular vessel from The Contrast Collection, made with an elm turned wooden lid and an aluminium spun metal body. The lid rests beside the open body, showing the contrast between warm natural grain and cool reflective metal.
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Spalted Beech and Aluminium open
Close-up detail of a turned wooden lid from The Contrast Collection, showing the natural grain, spalting and hand-shaped profile beside a spun aluminium body. The image highlights the contrast between the warm organic surface of the wood and the cool reflective metal.
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Detailed shot Elm with green silicone band
Close-up detail from The Contrast Collection, showing the turned wooden lid with coloured silicone bands. The image highlights the visible connection between the parts, using bright silicone against the warm grain of the wood.
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Detailed shot Elm and Aluminium with blue band
Close-up detail from The Contrast Collection, showing the blue silicone band holding together the turned wooden lid and spun aluminium body. The image highlights the visible connection between materials, where the band becomes both a functional part and a clear design feature.
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Three Modular Vessels from The Contrast Collection
Three modular vessels from The Contrast Collection, each combining a turned wooden lid, spun metal body and coloured silicone band. The image shows how the collection can shift through different combinations of wood grain, metal finish, form and colour, while keeping the visible connection between materials at the centre of the work.
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