Journey of Wood, created by Oh Brother Creative, tells a fascinating story of meticulous craftsmanship in south London. Anyone with a love of music will find it fascinating.
Tarik and Hax of Oh Brother Creative is a London-based team specialising in video production and commercial photography. They make content with a distinct natural look based on their background in documentary and street photography. And in case the name didn’t give it away, they are actually brothers.
“We’ve worked together for most of our professional lives, first as musicians, then restaurateurs, finally landing on our feet as a creative film and photography team, and that’s where we’ve been for the last 10 years,” explains Tarik. “Our work is mostly centred around people, and we’re passionate about producing authentic work with a natural look and feel.”
Now, their new documentary, Journey of Wood, offers an intimate glimpse into the world of a modern-day luthier [a maker of stringed instruments] whose creative journey has been anything but conventional.
Who is Nick Branwell?
“Nick’s story isn’t one you’d typically associate with a guitar maker,” explains Tarik. “In the early 60s, he crafted two electric guitars for his school band, marking the beginning of his lifelong relationship with this instrument.
“After abandoning his philosophy course, life took him down various paths, from playing in various bands to working in carpentry and landscape gardening. He even wrote gardening articles and a book on organic gardening. Eventually, he realised he was playing less and less and decided that if he wasn’t playing them, he was going to make them.”
It wasn’t until after decades of playing and tinkering with guitars that Nick decided to formally dive into luthiery. “With a background in carpentry and a combined understanding of playing the instruments, Nick was equipped with the foundation to seamlessly transition to the precision and artistry required.
“He embarked on an intensive journey of learning, studying under several esteemed guitar makers. Each mentor imparted distinct techniques and philosophies, enriching Nick’s own approach to his guitar making.”
Passion for the craft
Today, Nick meticulously transforms raw wood into finely tuned musical instruments that resonate with both players and listeners, producing just eight guitars annually out of a converted church hall in south London.
The documentary explores not just Branwell’s craft but the entire ecosystem of musical instrument creation. From wood suppliers like David Dyke to performers such as Zoe Barnett, the film illuminates the profound connections between material, maker and musician.
Through Journey of Wood, Filmmakers Tarik and Hax capture the subtle nuances of Branwell’s workshop and the passion that drives his craft. Their backgrounds in music and photography allow them to portray Lutherie as more than a profession; it is an art form steeped in tradition and personal expression.
“Being avid music lovers, Nick’s passion for guitar making immediately resonated with us—not only for its depth and creativity but because it tapped into our own creative journey, which began with playing instruments and making music,” Tarik explains.
“Nick’s work is all about connection, from the materials he uses to the people who provide them and to the incredibly talented musicians who play the guitars he builds. Our job with this film was to make one more connection: to convey the complexity of what he does and the simplicity of his process to a wider audience. It took time, patience and a relentless focus on detail – much like Nick’s own work.”
