Always Remember to Look Up!

Karen Osborne • October 17, 2025

In addition to crafting beautiful, handcrafted furniture, log holders, garden pieces, and gifts, Industrial Modern Furniture also undertakes individual commissions. This blog tells the inspiring story of one such piece, ultimately installed on the High Street in Portishead.


Kate Davies is an amazing local watercolour artist who, during lockdown and those daily walks, found herself drawn to our beautiful local bird life and even spotted a woodpecker!! 


Inspired by nature, she drew and painted and had lots of family time too with her husband and two young boys. The drawing of a tree to capture her love of nature inspired Portishead Town Council to commission a beautiful creation for all to enjoy.

 The piece was an artistic collaboration between John, Kate and the Town Council. The piece was positioned above the usual eyeline as a reminder to us all to look up and not down in life, as well as making it visible for those travelling around Portishead by bus or car..


A permanent steel tree, crafted by John using a solid steel rod for branches, he applied his hand-crafting wisdom and steel-bending technique to craft whimsical branches as Kate had envisioned them!! What a result!

The tree was to dress the wall outside Muse The Clothing Boutique on Portishead High Street. Amanda, the shop owner of The Muse, was consulted every step of the way. The black and gold finish was to reflect her independent store image and logo. There was a great deal of interest from bystanders whilst the installation was taking place!

John either chose to plasma or laser cut the birds, depending upon the intricacy. Each finished bird was then placed very carefully and welded onto the delicate branches.. A zinc anti-corrosion primer and applying a smoother enamel gave the finishing touch.


If you are not local to Portishead and fancy a visit to see this beautiful installation, the postcode is BS20 6AB


If you have the dream of owning your own piece of indoor or outdoor artwork, please visit our Etsy Shop, and we are sure you’ll be overwhelmed by the extensive choice and great value.

Likewise, if you wanted a piece specifically made for you or have a project in mind, please visit the Bespoke Projects section of our website.


Regardless of your query or question, we will be delighted to hear from you. 

Please Contact Us


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