BRITISH EMBASSY PROJECT

In May 2020 Grains & Grams had the honour to source wood from the former British Ambassador’s residence in central Bangkok. The project aims to transform timber into artworks commemorating the passing of an era as the iconic property was sold in 2017.

Through the first inspection, members of the collective have identified suitable pieces of Rain Tree branches that grew in the garden in front of the former residence building’s entrance. Rain Tree or Jamjuree (Thai) are commonly found in Southeast Asia. Despite conventional belief, the species was introduced in the region by travellers and its native root can be traced back to Central and South America. It is told that this was the preferred tree of choice for European missionary & diplomat settlers to be planted in their home premises. Being a wide-canopied tree, the wood grains are twisted giving it strength as it spanned out its reach. As well as offering shade against the tropical sun, the name Rain tree derived from the cooling effect as it constantly releases moisture back into the surrounding area creating a refreshing microclimate under its canopy. We suspect that this particular tree could have been planted by one of the British Consulate settlers who had established the residence in 1922.

This particular tree has witnessed numerous monumental occasions in the past century and Grains & Grams collective members hope to preserve it as functional art pieces at the new British Ambassador’s Residence at the Four Seasons Chao Phraya River, as well as memento objects to high profile guests. Bring forth a new beginning to an end, giving new life to a piece of history.

FINAL PROJECT OUTCOME

Participating artists: Nakornsang Studio, Nanu Youttananukorn, Nu Woodwork, Shed Studio - Pichan Sujaritsatit, The Archivist