Mick Hanbury (UK) spalted beech platter 7x49cm. SignedThe first time I met Ray Key was at a show in Derbyshire where I was a rookie demonstrator.I spent a couple of great evenings in the pub listening to the banter between Ray, Bert and Keith.It was an honour to be asked to be involved with the Ray Key Tribute Collaboration. My piece was a part turned platter 19" by 3" of Spalted Beech with striking figuring. However it did have a few cracks and other small imperfections which just added to the challenge.I made a lovely ogee shape on the back of the piece then used gold powder and glue to enhance the cracks and finished with oil. I then turned the front of the platter to match the back.I now had to restrain myself because I am a decorative woodturner and use a lot of colour in my own work. Thinking about Ray and the piece of wood I decided to use Pyrography as I thought it would complement the spalting in the beech.I textured the surface with a pyrography machine on high heat to make a band around the rim of the platter. The band was then finished with a clear lacquer to make a contrast to the rest of the oil finished platter. Overall I am very pleased with the end result and I hope you like it.Ray you were a great ambassador for the woodturning trade and community. You will be missed. I hope I did you proud.The Ray Key Collaboration Auction