ANGUS IRELAND
Woodturner working in Eora, Sydney's Northern Beaches
Angus pours passion into every piece he makes.
Angus was first introduced to woodturning in 2013 through a community-run woodturning workshop, and it was here he quickly found his passion. Now a seasoned maker, he combines traditional woodturning techniques with a contemporary design aesthetic.
He specializes in turning bowls and objects made from local species of hardwood, as well as exotic and rare tree spices. His pieces are often made from a single piece of solid wood, providing a clear visual connection with the tree from which it originated. Each piece he creates is unique, his focus is letting the wood speak, keeping the design simple, and accentuating the inherent natural beauty of the wood itself.
ANGUS' PHILOSOPHY
Sustainably sourced
I have a material-first ideology, meaning I prioritise the quality and sustainability of the materials I use in my work. All wood is sourced locally throughout Australia. I only use sustainable materials to ensure that the products are not only beautiful, but also environmentally friendly.
Ethically handcrafted
In a world of mass produced disposable goods, I work against this. Every piece is handcrafted by myself in my studio, leaving each piece unique to you. This means no detail is left untouched, down to the branded mark on the bottom, so you know its an authentic Angus Ireland design.
Innovative approach
I have been trained in traditional woodturning techniques that I use in creating contemporary designs. For over 10 years I have been exploring exciting ways to craft and constantly try new techniques to elevate and expand my products for you to enjoy.
WOOD SPECIES
Angus ethically sources all of the wood for his work through local suppliers, learn more about each type below.
Banksia
Banksia is a genus of around 170 different flowering species, all bar 1 are endemic to Australia. The timber is classified as a soft wood which has a reddish color with open grain venations which are accentuated by the darker growth rings.
Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Coolabah
(Eucalyptus Coolabah)
An American cherry that is a hardwood native to eastern USA. Its heartwood ranges from a dark, rich red to a reddish brown, and is prized for high-end interior applications, turning and carving, and musical instruments.
A species of gum tree that is endemic to Australia and is found throughout the country but predominantly close to rivers or areas that have a high intake of water. The timber is classified as a hard wood with the heartwood ranging from a dark, rich red through to a paler brown in the sapwood.
Mahogany (Swietenia)
Huon Pine
(Lagarostrobos franklinii)
A tropical hard wood timber that is indigenous to the Americas. The timber is straight grained and has a reddish-brown colour. It is often used by woodworkers as it is easy to work with and yet still durable and the straight grain enables very few complications when in production.
A species of conifer that is endemic to the wet southwestern areas of Tasmania, Australia. This species of conifer is slow growing but long living with some of this species reaching over 3000 years old. This timber is highly prized by woodworkers as it is soft in timber density with a very tight grain and warm yellow colour. It is also extremely hard to come by now and thus rarity that makes the timber so desirable.
Oak
(Quercus Robur)
Red Mallee (Eucalyptus Oleosa)
A large flowering tree native to most of Europe and Asia. The timber is classified as a hardwood, with the timber having very pronounced open grain. It is for these reasons that the timber is used by woodworkers in the construction of bespoke furniture.
A species of gum that is endemic to Australia but grows throughout the central regions of the mainland. The timber is classified as a hardwood and has a deep red to brown color complexion.
Spotted Gum (Corymbia Maculata)
Silky Oak
(Grevillea Robusta)
A fast-growing evergreen tree native to the eastern coast of Australia. The timber is classified as a hardwood with the timber having a pronounced open grain. It is often used by woodworkers due to its durability and usability.
A species of gum tree endemic to eastern Australia. The timber is classified as a hardwood with a pale silvery complexion. The timber is regularly used in construction and by woodworkers however the sapwood is often removed prior to use as it is susceptible to borers.
Red Gum
(Eucalyptus camaldulensis)
A species of gum that is endemic to Australia. This species of gum is found throughout the Australian continent however it primarily grows close to rivers, lakes or other areas that receive large amounts of rainfall. The timber is classified as a hardwood and has a vibrant red colour and can be used by woodworkers.
Walnut
(Juglans)
A genus of around 21 different species that range from southeast Europe across to Japan as well as from the southern parts of Canada right down the coast to Argentina. The trees are used for harvesting the nuts that it produces however once its harvesting life is over it is used by many in the woodworking field in constructing bespoke furniture.
Red Meranti (Shorea)
A genus of tree species that has its origins in southeast Asia. It is classified as a softwood which has a dark red coloration with whitish resin streaks. It is commonly used by woodworkers in southeast Asia due to its durability and usability.
Black Heart Sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum)
An evergreen native to the cool, temperate south Australian rainforests. It is a long growing tree that can live up to and over 200 years. It is commonly used by woodworkers as it is a relatively soft timber but with the unusual black hearted centre is ideal for book matching.
Gidgee
(Acacia Cambagei)
White Ash
(Fraxinus americana)
A species of flowering tree native to eastern and central America. It is a hardwood with very pronounced grain, it is also very durable to use which enables it to be used for various purposes within the woodworking industry.
A species of acacia endemic to Australia. It has a deep brown heartwood with a more golden sapwood. It is often used in woodworking due to its extreme durability and resistance to borer mites or decay.
Blackwood
(Acacia melanoxylon)
Myall
(Acacia Pendula)
A species of Acacia that is indigenous to Victoria and Tasmania. It is classified as a hardwood which makes it ideal for those working in the furniture and instrument trade as it has a deep brown color and darkened grain venations.
A species of acacia that grows predominantly in the rugged outback areas of QLD, NSW and VIC Australia. It is a relatively small tree with a dark brown heartwood and a lighter yellow sapwood. Due to its lack in size it is not commonly used in woodworking.
Burl
What is a burl? Burl refers to the bulbus form that develops on the side of the tree trunk or in some cases branches. These forms occur from a result of an injury that the tree has experienced whether that be a parasite infestation or through the loss of a limb. In other cases it may be the result of advantageous trunks preparing to sprout but not eventuating.