Melvyn Firmager (UK) walnut and bog oak hollow form 16x10cm. SignedI first met Ray when I started turning in 1980, the first person to answer questions and offer advice at a demonstration. His openness and generosity always remembered. I never had any training in woodturning, as I just picked up as I went along, luckily in having a natural ability, and could learn from observation. It was observing Ray at the start, then along with many other well-known turners along the way, that set me on the path. The good thing about not having actual tuition, for me, was the development of my own unique techniques and tool designs, that led me to the work I became known for. So I am forever grateful for that early start. I guess my one regret is I never told Ray that. On the other hand, it led me to pass on my skills both freely and professionally.The piece sent me of Ray’s certainly was a challenge. It had warped hugely and had a catch on the rim (yes it happens to the best of us!). I actually wonder if it was a discarded piece. Never the less, I took up the challenge, going through the process in my head working with the warp, to add multi wavy eucalyptus rims, as known for that. Then changed tack, took a chance/quite a risk, and decided to reform Ray’s design, maintain his integrity and sense of direction, bring it back to symmetry, which was his forte, hollow out fairly thin and add a double rim piece of 6,000-year-old bog oak from the Somerset levels, near to where I live. I hope I have done Ray’s work justice.The Ray Key Collaboration Auction