the Red Beech - from tree to timber
For nearly 130 years, the red beech at De Nieuwe Ooster cemetery stood as a quiet witness to mourning and remembrance.
When the tree could no longer be saved, Johan Mullenders, arborist at the cemetery’s arboretum, initiated a farewell ceremony.
On 21 February 2024, more than 150 people gathered to share memories and say goodbye to a tree that meant a great deal to many.
Where the work of the arborist ends, the work of the woodworker begins. Ruben van der Scheer and I were invited by the cemetery to create a series of objects and furniture pieces from the wood. These pieces will find a permanent place at the cemetery.
Now, over a year after felling, the wood has been dried and prepared, and we are ready to work with it—with the same care Johan showed the tree during its lifetime.
On 20 September, the workshop is open to anyone interested in the project. We will exhibit the wood and several completed works. Johan Mullenders will speak about his relationship with the tree, and we’ll share more about our approach and how we work with the material.
