Ambrose O'Halloran (Ireland) Ash platter 3x33cm. Not signed.I first met Ray in 1995. I was not long turning and he was a legend then. He graciously answered all my basic questions and was so kind and encouraging. Over the years we met on various occasions, Ray was always so full of enthusiasm and always willing to give advice. When he rang me to offer me a main demonstrator slot at the AWGB seminar it was such an honour. That was the thing about Ray, he embraced the entire field of turning and admired styles of turning that were so different to his. When I got this platter it was sad for me that Ray never got to finish it. I thought of doing all kinds of textures and embellishments but in the end I left it as a simple platter the way Ray liked. I wrote to Ray once regarding some issue we were having a conversation about, using the quote “Education is not filling a pail – rather lighting a fire”. I wrote, Ray thin of all the fires you have lit around the world. Ray those fires are still burning but none as brightly as yours. As I did this platter it was very much as an apprentice to the Master. There is no one in the world of turning that will fill the void left by this great craftsman and wonderful person.The Ray Key Collaboration Auction