STA love a visit to the iconic Bungendore Wood Works Gallery. Within the gallery there is always a range of exquisite artisan crafted objects on offer. But today we got an extra special tour with Gallery Manager Andrew Oliver.

Andrew took us through the main gallery and also  ‘The Collaborators’ exhibition which is on display in the first floor gallery.

The exhibition is thoughtfully offered as an evolving play. A display that changes and develops to evoke the developing careers of the Artists on display and the collaborative relationship they enjoy with David Mac Laren. Collaborators featured with David within the exhibition are;

• Rolf Barfoed, collaborating since 2017, @rolfbarfoed
• Nathan Cummins, collaborating since 2022,  @_nathancummins
• Christpher Neal, collaborating since 2017, @awoodadventure
• Mitchell McNamara-Rice, collaborating since 2015, @solid_timber_fabrications
• Jim Homann, collaborating since 2000.

David Mac Laren, Artistic Director and founder of the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, is nearing retirement after a wood working career of 50 years.  Through the 3 Acts of The Collaborators, the Gallery is stepping toward a time of transition. David’s Directorship & vision guided it’s first 41 years, and he continues to pass on his lifetime of knowledge, into the capable hands of next generation of Designer Makers, including Rolf, Chris, Nathan and Mitchell.

Act 2 is currently in rehearsal upstairs the premiere in  mid-June 2024. Act 3 of the exhibition will open later in 2024.

About the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery

David opened the Gallery in an historic building opposite the present Gallery in 1983. “When I moved from New York City to Bungendore, I wanted a space to display my furniture as well as the work of other makers from the Region”.  It has since become the preeminent Wood Gallery in Australia. Representing exclusive in-house designs of Australian Designer-Makers & Artists, celebrating their skill & Australian native timbers.

Bungendore architect, Maurice Barnes, designed the Gallery to create the perfect environment for exhibiting wood and other artworks. The Gallery was built in 1994 from Australian materials, including Jarrah posts, beams and staircase; Tasmanian Oak floors, Ebonised Victorian Ash frames, and New South Wales Flooded Gum wall panelling.

Located at 22 Malbon St Bungendore NSW, just 30 minutes drive from Canberra, open 7 days a week 9am to 5pm. There is parking on site & nearby.

Visit the website bwoodworks.com.au

Facebook @bwoodworks  & Istagram @bwoodworks