Seamus Cassidy (Ireland) burr elm lidded vessel 19x18cm. SignedFor me, it was an honour to be asked to participate in this tribute to Ray Key. I placed Ray’s unfinished piece in my workshop where I could glance at it from time to time while going about my normal working day. This action triggered memories of Ray, his work and the times I spent with him. I remembered being asked to judge a woodturning seminar competition with Ray and how he favoured well executed simple style. Ray was well known for his boxes and vases and when I reviewed some of his work on the internet, it was clear to me how I should finish Ray’s work - Keep it simple! Ray’s piece did not need to be changed much. I decided all that was needed was to finish his original shape and make a bleached Ash lid and Blackwood finial to do justice to his work and style. Any other embellishment or complication would not be true to Ray’s style. I hope you agree that the finished piece reflects Rays unique style and honours his memory.The Ray Key Collaboration Auction