Richard Raffan makes bowls to be used, and over fifty years has sold around 32,000. Only a few dozen are more than 100mm high. About half range from 200mm to 300mm diameter. About 3000 bowls are 305mm diameter and larger, the rest mostly 100mm-150mm diameter.
Finish: Most of Richard’s bowls are made to be used and will look and feel better for it. Each has an oil and beeswax finish that provides a good base for a variety of patinas. Any wooden bowl in daily use can be hand-washed in hot water and detergent and set on a drainer to dry. Here you see several bowls that have been in constant use for decades.
If you prefer a shiny patina you need to polish the wood regularly with a wax polish. The old rule of thumb is every day for a week, then once a month. After a few months your wood glows like a cherished antique. A patina like this cannot be applied from a bottle: it is the result of on-going care. Regularly polishing will enhance any surface.
These bowls were turned from seasoned timber. How these bowls are created is explained Turning Wood With Richard Raffan, Taunton’s Complete Guild to Turning, and in particular detail in Turning Bowls with Richard Raffan. Turned Bowl Design and The Art of Turned Bowls are more about designing bowls. Or you can watch
How to Turn a Basic Bowl-Part I
How to Turn a Basic Bowl-Part II
