Shed Life

When functional artist James Postle salvaged part of a storm-felled tree, he had no idea it would lead him to being part of a very special exhibition, at the very place the tree once grew.

The beautiful elm had stood in the grounds of Ayton Castle, near Eyemouth for 130 years till Storm Arwen brought it down in 2021. James, who lives nearby in Ayton Village, came across it when out for a walk. and decided to save part of it and create something to ensure the tree lived on in a different way for future generations.

At the time, didn't know what to make and it was only by coincidence, when The Tin Shed invited him to take part in their annual Art in the Castle event at Ayton Castle, that he decided to transform the Ayton tree into a huge chess board and pieces as the centrepiece of his display - working with the wood, incorporating its beauty and its flaws, as he does with all his creations.

Not only did he breathe new life into the ancient, felled tree for future generations, but also got to take it "home" where it had once stood, for his very first exhibition.

James usually works on commission for his chess sets from clients all over the world. See more of his work on Instagram @the_postle