David Woodward (UK) burr oak bowl 13x45cm. SignedI first came across the work of Ray at the Collector’s gallery in Ledbury. This was about the mid 1975-80s. I had work there at the same time. There were several different turners at that time, doing work that I admired and was different. It was around 1985-6 that I first me Ray and talked.Ray’s passion for turning showed through straight away. Over the next ten or more years, we had work in the same fairs and exhibitions. Chelsea craft fair, Creative eye and other galleries throughout the country. I opened “From the wood” in Hay on Wye in 1983. Ray was very keen when I approached him at the seminar in Loughborough about having the first public exhibition of the AWGB members exhibition.Ray along with Bert Marsh and Don White came to Hay on Wye and selected work to be exhibited. Always willing to give his time in the promotion of the turners art. Ray worked tirelessly in this and always was there with a word or two of advice. In 1990 Ray was selected to show in LA with the crafts council. I too was selected. I had never flown on an aircraft. I was very nervous to say the least. I met Ray at Gatwick airport and he was so good, helping me with everything to put my mind at ease. I learnt a lot from Ray, he was there and willing to pass on advice. On the phone it was an hour call each time. I always told him he could talk a glass eye to sleep! Always full of fun. One exhibition we had in Hay was the work of the late Bert Marsh. Ray turned up to the private view with a pair of oven mitts. When Bert asked what for, Ray replied “I don’t want to get any splinters in my hands!” Bert laughed. We had many good nights out in London with Alan Mitchell. I have some very fond memories of the man that put woodturning up there with all the top arts and crafts. Ray Key, thank you!When I received the package containing Rays roughed out blank, I knew it was oak just by the weight. I took some time looking at the large rounded out bowl. The writing on it, a name, dates and weight. The name – Wally Gilbert? Was this a commission? Was this the person Ray had obtained the timber from? Many more questions came to mind.I remembered that I had done some work for Wally Gilbert, a well respected silversmith from Hereford. I got back in touch with him and he told me that Ray had turned a piece for him some years before and he had asked for another, when and if Ray found the right bit of wood. Wally hadn’t heard any more from Ray so he thought he didn’t have time to do anything for him.Once I started work on this blank, my intention was to keep it as close to how I believe Ray would have wanted it. I knew Ray’s work, having seen it over many years. Keeping it heavy and open being able to show the beautiful figure in the oak, that beautiful specks of dark brown and swirling patterns.Finishing with sunflower oil, several coats, allowing this to soak into the wood and dry. Then a pure beeswax polish, buffing this to a satin sheen. It was a privilege to do this work in honour of Ray. A very touching tribute to a man admired and liked by many people throughout the world.The Ray Key Collaboration Auction