Gareth Neal decided to attempt two of the simpler forms that he had envisaged – a good idea since even making these was challenging. Benchmark had to upgrade its software and Sean Sutcliffe said, ‘I have been running my workshop for 32 years, and this is the most remarkable thing we have ever made.’ 

Neal and Benchmark craftsman Colin White spent ages watching and the checking the CNC machine. ‘It is just another hand tool,’ he said. ‘I have realised how strong a human-like property it has. Its quirks are like human nature.’ Part of this, he believes, is that it has been programmed by people, and therefore is prone to error. The vessels were made in two halves which were expected to be identical but in fact were not quite, adding the sense of a ‘maker’s mark’. Neal intended to ebonise the exterior of both vessels, but having shown it to Zaha Hadid they agreed to keep one natural.  

Zaha Hadid said, ‘We have been experimenting in glass, metal and resin and it will be fascinating to explore the possibilities of working in wood; applying contemporary techniques to a very traditional material. One of the most exciting aspects of designing products is the production process between idea and result is so much quicker than for architecture. This faster timeframe leads to greater opportunities for experimentation and it will be interesting to combine innovative methods and concepts with the natural properties of wood for a new tableware collection.’