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Rafal Bernatowicz

Rafal Bernatowicz Woodworker
Contact
Polish, English
Hours:
Monday to Friday 12:00 - 19:00
Hours:
By appointment only
Phone:
+48 507162069
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The archaeologist of wood

  • • Rafal makes wooden tableware for Michelin starred restaurants
  • • He has used black oak dating as far back as 4,500 BC
  • • He works mostly with recovered materials that he finds himself

Rafal Bernatowicz's true passion for wood did not start right away. After graduating from a craftsmanship school with a specialisation in woodworking, he moved to Warsaw to study archaeology. At that time, he didn't think he would ever work with wood again. It all changed almost a decade later when he met his wife and, together, they decided to leave the capital. Inspired by country life, Rafal returned to his roots and started making wooden tableware. Right from the beginning he set the bar very high. “I contacted chefs from the best Polish restaurants. One of them was Wojciech Amaro, the Michelin starred chef. We met, I showed him my projects and soon after he made an order.” That was his big break, and since then Rafal has worked with over 150 restaurants across Poland and abroad.

Read the full interview

Works

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Speculum Ardere

This serving board was handmade from walnut wood. Rafal has worked the surface of the wood to make its natural properties apparent. He has left the bark on the board, treating it to increase its resistance.

Length 55 cm
Width 32 cm

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Honey Bowl

Rafal formed this bowl from a piece of ash burl wood that he turned on a lathe. He has finished the interior of the bowl with a reflective polish, creating a strong contrast with the rough exterior. He has left the natural bark of the wood on the exterior, treating it to increase its resistance and lend it a satin finish.

Diameter 33 cm

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Cracked Swarm

Rafal turned this bowl on a lathe from a piece of ash burl with a cracked surface. The bowl has been finished with a smooth surface, varnished and polished.

Diameter 25 cm

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Golden Galaxy

This bowl has been turned from pieces of sumac wood that have been glued together. Rafal combined them in such a way as to create a continuous flow of the wood's patterns. The turned bowl has been varnished and polished to give it its final reflective surface.

Diameter 32 cm
Height 16 cm

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Iconic Goblet

Rafal tuned this wooden goblet from a single piece of sumac wood. He varnished and polished the final form, bringing out the wood's natural colours and forms.

Diameter 6 cm
Height 18 cm

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