Each week, the Gazette takes to the streets to unearth something being manufactured right here in Hackney. This week, we speak to Joseph Bloor who makes wooden spoons.

Carved in and from the woodland at Abney Park, Joseph Bloor’s wooden spoons are beautiful objects to own and use.

The trained architect, who made a career change seven years ago, also runs classes teaching green wood crafts in the Stoke Newington cemetery with community group London Green Wood. Self-taught, he makes every spoon by hand using locally-sourced timber, traditional hand tools and heritage craft techniques.

He said: “Using a waste product that would most likely either be left to rot or burnt to create items that can enrich peoples lives is a relatively small action, but I hope that the ripple effect will show that I am trying to help people to understand that making things by hand and spending time in nature are both powerful catalysts for many wonderful things.

“They are not ‘perfect’ but they should make you smile every time you use them.

“The gift of a wooden spoon or any other hand made item is not something trivial, but is a thoughtful and considered item that can bring joy and change lives.”

Drinking cups and furniture are also available.