Tom Buchner & Ward Stevens (USA) brown oak bowl on carved and coloured pedestal 8x11cm. SignedWe were immediately attracted to the figure in Ray’s turning blank. The spots and swirls, along with the rich brown color, were obvious even in the turning blank. Although we were only briefly acquainted with Ray, his characteristic style was also obvious in the turning. We knew Ray was a purist and it seemed predetermined that the diminutive bowl would have an inward sloping rim and small base. Also, in Ray’s style, an unadorned surface would let the grain do the talking. We couldn’t help but acknowledge Ray’s award of the British Empire medal and its recognition of Ray’s extensive contribution to the craft of woodturning. We picked two elements of the medal for the base: the rose-pink ribbon with pearl-grey edge and the stylized version of the sun, whose rays in the medal shine upon Britannia. Ray and his family must have been very proud of this high honour. Very well deserved indeed.The Ray Key Collaboration Auctionn