Fenland Black Oak table to be unveiled at Ely Cathedral on 17 May 2022

A giant 13 metre long table made from ancient 5,000-year-old black oak and bronze will begin its residency at Ely Cathedral this May.

The tree, which was unearthed in Wissington Fens, south west Norfolk in March 2012 – Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year – has been made into a table large enough to seat 50 people. To commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year and her long reign, this very piece is due to be unveiled on 17 May 2022.

The table was the brainchild of Fenland Black Oak specialist Hamish Low of Adamson and Low cabinetmakers, based in Kent. Lead craftsman and chair of the project, Hamish Low, has called upon much support over the last 10 years. Key sponsors include Peter and Clare Shropshire; John and Trish Shropshire; Ely-based Malco Freight; Logosol UK; Sackville Oak Frames; along with Kent- and London-based furniture designer-makers Steve Cook and Mauro Dell’Orco, all of whom have supported the project from day one.

This project has been entirely funded by private individuals, along with various charitable foundations and trusts, who've all shared the same vision. Full details of sponsors can be found on the project website and display panels at Ely Cathedral.

Other support has been provided by the Building Crafts College, based in Stratford, East London, who provided use of their workshop facilities as well as encouraging students from their cabinetmaking and woodworking courses to become involved.

The table will make its journey – on board an articulated lorry due to its size – from workshops in Kent, to Ely, Cambridgeshire on 9 May, to be installed in readiness for its residency at Ely Cathedral from 18 May onwards.

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A private unveiling on 17 May, at Ely Cathedral, will host many project sponsors and dignitaries from Cambridgeshire.

The table will arrive at Ely Cathedral on 9 May at approximately 1pm, where it then be unloaded. This will be an impressive visual spectacle as it takes many people to move just one of these boards.

For further information on the Fenland Black Oak Project, see www.thefenlandblackoakproject.co.uk.

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