The bark of ancient oaks, long fallen and left to the forest, holds a deep reserve of color. Collected only from trees that have come to the end of their natural life, the bark is soaked and boiled, releasing a dark, tannin-rich liquor. This dye, once used for tanning leather and preserving cloth, seeps slowly into the paper, leaving behind a warm, earthy tan, like the memory of the tree held in its fibers. Each batch carries subtle variations, shaped by the age of the oak and the land it grew from, making every piece unique.
The UK is home to more ancient oaks than all the other countries of Europe combined. The oak tree held deep significance in ancient folklore, revered as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and endurance. To the Druids, it was sacred—believed to be a bridge between the earthly and the divine, a tree of knowledge that held the secrets of the natural world. Oak groves were gathering places for rituals. The tree’s deep roots and long life made it a symbol of stability, a silent witness to history, and a reminder of the connection between land, time, and those who came before.
Here are some samples of different lamps and pendants in Oak dye: