Extracting Beauty from Abandoned Trees
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and moves it makes. We then cut that piece and mount it on a base."
Extracting roots from the ground can be challenging but they have developed a unique system to extract the stumps with minimal or no cutting. They often use power washers to spray and dislodge the rocks. Other removal methods are used for more stubborn root systems, such as the Lychee tree.
The beauty of the Lychee (Litchi chinensis) makes it another favorite wood to work with. Lychee nuts are a delicacy in China and Thailand. The tree bears fruit between 10 to 20 years and has a remarkable root structure that is heavily intertwined.
"Now, we drive that to the location where we're harvesting trees, and we blast the hell out of those rocks," Mark said. "That allows us to cut and bring these beautiful Lychee roots out to create tables from abandoned, fruitless trees."
Julie is especially fond of Mangos (Mangifera indica), which are abundant, fast-growing trees that bear fruit for only 11 years and then are cleared. They never reach wide diameters. "I'm a gardener at heart, and I love the way we are able to work with barren Mango trees," Julie said. "I figured out a way to join three to make a coffee table, a bar stool and a bar table. It's another example of how we try to redeploy. Fragments and small pieces that others pass on, I seize upon to invent new products."
While the Phillipses travel extensively, they also rely heavily on partners in Thailand and Indonesia who know what to look for. "They are artisans who understand, cherish and nurture the beauty around them because that is what they depend on," Mark said. "Our partners have become so sophisticated that they know what knocks my socks off in terms of beauty."
One example would be a tree afflicted with a type of cancer that creates a burl, which is nature's way of trying to protect the tree. "It creates an amazing pattern over decades," Mark said. "They know it's worth bringing because it's so rare and beautiful."
The primary buyers of items from the Phillips Collection are interior designers who recognize the value. "They buy it because it brings warmth into a home," Mark said.
Top hotel chains also buy works from the Phillips Collection for their suites, lobbies and elevator landings, and merchandizers use them to dress up their displays.
"One of my favorite pieces is the root of a long ago harvested Teakwood tree that we dug up and cut into an almost perfect circle," Julie said. "It
Frequently asked questions
How does the Phillips Collection extract tree stumps and roots from the ground?+
They have developed a unique system to extract stumps with minimal or no cutting, often using power washers to spray and dislodge rocks. For more stubborn root systems, like those of the Lychee tree, they drive to the harvest site and blast the rocks to free the roots.
Why is Lychee wood valued for furniture making?+
The Lychee tree (Litchi chinensis) has a remarkable, heavily intertwined root structure that creates striking visual beauty. Once the trees stop bearing fruit after 10 to 20 years, their roots can be extracted and crafted into tables.
How does the Phillips Collection use abandoned Mango trees?+
Mango trees (Mangifera indica) bear fruit for only 11 years, never reach wide diameters, and are then cleared. Julie Phillips joins three of these barren trees together to create coffee tables, bar stools and bar tables, redeploying fragments others pass on.
What role do overseas partners play in sourcing wood for the Phillips Collection?+
Partners in Thailand and Indonesia are artisans who know what to look for and understand what the Phillipses value in terms of beauty. They identify rare finds such as burls—formed by a tree cancer as a protective response—that develop amazing patterns over decades.
Who are the primary buyers of Phillips Collection pieces?+
Interior designers are the primary buyers, purchasing the pieces because they bring warmth into a home. Top hotel chains also buy works for their suites, lobbies and elevator landings, and merchandisers use them to dress up displays.
What makes burl wood especially prized in these collections?+
A burl forms when a tree is afflicted with a type of cancer, and it is nature's way of trying to protect the tree. Over decades, this process creates an amazing pattern, making burl wood rare and beautiful.