Browse finishes and brass care.
- Photograph brass under site light
- Confirm oil schedule for coastal air
- Log edition tags before courier day
Sourcing and preparing materials
Each Baobab Lamp starts with solid hardwood from local sawmills, selected for density and grain. Birch ply sheets, chosen for clarity and a fine edge, are stored flat to avoid warping in the Woodstock humidity. Before shaping begins, the team checks each piece for knots and marks that would affect the final light pattern.
- Hardwood base, locally sourced
- Birch ply, laser-ready
- Oils and waxes for finish
Turning, cutting and assembly sequence
First, the base is rough-turned on the lathe to get the main profile, then sanded in stages to achieve a tactile surface. The birch shade is laser-cut with a bespoke pattern, referencing the layered canopy of a mature baobab. After test-fitting the shade to the base, edges are eased by hand before both parts are finished with natural oils or durable wax, depending on the client’s specification.
Every lamp is dry-assembled for a fit check, then left to cure for at least 48 hours before hardware is installed. Our makers check that the shade sits true and that the socket is firmly seated. Each batch shows subtle differences in grain, colour or shadow pattern, reflecting the individuality of the wood and its making.
Finishing touches and quality checks
Before leaving the workshop, every Baobab Lamp is tested for stability and light diffusion. We check each join and shade cut for smoothness and consistency. If a custom finish is specified, extra time is given for oiling and buffing. This process ensures that no two lamps are identical but all pass our handling and visual checks before they’re packed for transit.