AN unusual bespoke piece of furniture created by a local craftsman is set to move from its home in Hereford.

Over the years many people in Hereford & beyond have come to know a very special piece of furniture art; Timothy Hawkins' Oak Portal wardrobe.

It will soon be leaving Mr Hawkins' gallery in Church Street in preparation for its journey to the home of collectors who already own some of his more unusual pieces of furniture.

Mr Hawkins is marking Oak Portal’s departure with a fund-raising event for St. Michael's Hospice, a special place which continues to offer support to him and his family.

He said: "Inspiration for some of my pieces comes completely out of the blue, and did for Oak Portal.

"Once my thoughts had crystallised enough for me to create sketches, then drawings I knew this was a piece which just had to be made.

"I feel very humbled to know that so many others have also connected emotionally with Oak Portal."

He has in the past created a few bespoke pieces for the hospice, the most recent of these being a tree-themed altar table for the ‘quiet’ room.

The evening event takes place next Thursday, August 25, from 7pm to 9pm, and will offer an opportunity to learn the full story of this unique piece of furniture as well as a chance to hear about some of the commissions which it has generated over the years.