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Ladle
Sycamore buttermilk ladle made at William Rees' workshop in Aberbanc, west Wales, 1925.
William Rees of Aber-banc was the last in a long line of wood-turners in his family. His speciality was making wooden utensils for the kitchen and dairy; bowls, milk skimmers, cheese vats, spoons and ladles. Rees sold his products at local fairs and markets. But by the 1930s wooden ware was being replaced by mass produced ceramics and enamelware. William Rees became the last turner living by his trade in the county.
Buttermilk was a slightly sour liquid left after butter had been churned, and was consumed as a drink. This buttermilk ladle was made from one piece of wood. It required skill in turning the bowl on the lathe, and then shaping the handle using hand tools.