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Handover fails, Bungendore Wood Works to close

Bungendore Wood Works’ David Mac Laren. Photo: Peter Hislop

After a failed changing-of-the-guard to hand over the running of Bungendore Wood Works, reported in September, retired artistic director and owner David Mac Laren is closing the gallery.

For more than 40 years, Bungendore Wood Works has been a mecca Australia’s finest woodworkers and artists.

Management of the Wood Works have now announced, “with deep appreciation and a heavy heart,” that the gallery will shut up shop in early June.

“After decades at the helm, artistic director and founder David Mac Laren OAM is ready for a well-deserved retirement,” they say.

“While he has explored succession options, sustaining a gallery of this scale has become increasingly challenging in today’s economic climate. Despite our best efforts, we have not found a viable path forward.”

 

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5 Responses to Handover fails, Bungendore Wood Works to close

Sue Pitman says: 28 March 2025 at 4:28 pm

Everyone deserves a happy, hopefully long retirement. Wishing David the very best for the future. So glad that we visited the gallery one final time on our recent trip back to Canberra from Adelaide. Our “Thicket” timber sculpture has travelled with us over many years and will continue to be a reminder of the excellence of the works at Woodworks.

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Ian says: 18 July 2025 at 10:47 am

A Sad Loss to the Woodcraft Industry

It’s disheartening to see the decline of the handcrafted wood industry in Australia, particularly as we continue to lose so many skilled and passionate craftspeople—true perfectionists in their art.

The ongoing financial pressures and retail challenges are hitting the sector hard. Our own woodcraft gallery, with over 40 years of history, is still standing—but we, too, are feeling the weight of these times and know change is essential for survival.

To any woodworkers in the Canberra region affected by recent closures or looking for new opportunities: please feel free to reach out. We may be able to support you by showcasing your beautiful work in our gallery in Bellingen, NSW.

Warm regards,
Ian
The Woodcraft Gallery, Bellingen

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